Indian Pickleball League: Hyderabad Royals among first five teams selected for first edition

Hyderabad: Hyderabad has officially secured its spot among the first five city-based teams announced for the inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL). The city franchise will compete as the Hyderabad Royals.

IPBL is India’s only official pickleball league launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS).

Hyderabad enters a new sporting arena

Hyderabad’s inclusion marks a significant development for the league, aligning with the city’s steady uptake of emerging sports and its long-standing record in racquet disciplines.

The city has seen a visible rise in pickleball participation across corporate campuses, gated communities and sports clubs, reflecting how easily the sport fits into the lifestyles of young professionals and recreational players.

“These teams represent the scale, ambition and national reach that define the Indian Pickleball League. Together, they bring a fresh competitive spirit that will help make pickleball a modern fixture in India’s sporting landscape,” said Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group.

Operam Ventures to lead Hyderabad Royals

Hyderabad’s entry into the league is backed by Operam Ventures, a technology-driven enterprise focused on digital transformation and strategic IT solutions.

“Hyderabad is ready for the next big sport. Pickleball has found early, enthusiastic adoption here and IPBL gives us a national stage to build on that momentum,” said Anubhav Tyagi, Managing Director, Operam Ventures.

Match schedule

The Hyderabad Royals will join teams from Gurugram, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru to compete from December 1–7 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi.

What is pickleball? A quick background

Pickleball is a paddle-based sport that blends elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and lightweight paddles, it requires quick reflexes and strategic movement rather than power.

Its ease of learning and adaptability to indoor and outdoor spaces have contributed to rapid growth worldwide. In India, the Indian Pickleball Association has been promoting the sport for over a decade, organising national championships and facilitating international participation.

Urban adoption has been especially strong as it caters to players across age groups, including beginners seeking a low-impact sport and athletes transitioning from other racquet disciplines.

IPBL: A new league model for a growing sport

The Indian Pickleball League aims to bring a structured, competitive format to a sport that has been expanding organically across cities.

The first edition will feature team-based matchups, professional players and a multi-city representation model to build regional identity.

The Times Group and IPA expect the league to catalyse infrastructure development, talent identification, and broader public participation in pickleball.

Looking ahead

As pickleball continues to expand rapidly across India and other global markets, Hyderabad’s presence in the league strengthens IPBL’s vision of creating a national platform supported by city pride, structured competition, and contemporary fan engagement.

The Hyderabad Royals will enter the inaugural season aiming to convert the city’s growing enthusiasm for the sport into competitive success on a national stage.