In a major boost to the rapidly rising sport of Pickleball in Jammu & Kashmir, the official jersey of the J&K Pickleball Team was unveiled today by the Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, ahead of the IPA Pickleball Nationals 2025 scheduled to take place in Bengaluru.
Minister Sharma extended his best wishes to the athletes representing the Union Territory. He expressed pride in the increasing participation of J&K’s youth in emerging sports disciplines. The Minister applauded the J&K Pickleball Association for its dedicated efforts in expanding the sport’s reach across districts and nurturing a strong sporting culture in the region.
“The rise of Pickleball in Jammu & Kashmir reflects our youth’s enthusiasm for embracing new avenues of sports and fitness. The Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, talent recognition, and sporting excellence,” the Minister said.
The jersey launch marks an important step in strengthening sports infrastructure and opportunities for young athletes in the Union Territory. This initiative aligns with the government’s larger vision of developing J&K as a hub of sporting excellence.
The Jammu & Kashmir Pickleball Association has played a crucial role in popularising Pickleball by establishing dedicated playing venues, hosting tournaments, and encouraging participation from players across various age groups and backgrounds. This includes players from rural areas and underprivileged communities, making sports more accessible.
As the anticipation builds for the IPA Nationals 2025, the focus is not just on competition, but also on fostering a community spirit among the players representing Jammu & Kashmir. The J&K Pickleball Team aims to inspire the youth to engage more in diverse sports, creating an environment of inclusivity and teamwork.
According to recent statistics, the number of participants in state-level pickleball tournaments has seen a 150% increase over the last year alone, highlighting a significant trend in youth engagement in this dynamic sport. Locally, schools and colleges have begun incorporating pickleball into their physical education programs, which has sparked greater interest among students.
The local government and sports authorities have committed to promote this sport further by investing in coaching, training facilities, and regular competitions. This investment seeks to ensure that J&K not only keeps pace with national standards but also shines on international platforms in the future.
Minister Sharma concluded by noting the importance of consistent support for emerging sports. He emphasized, “Together, we will redefine the sporting landscape in Jammu & Kashmir. Our youth embodies the spirit of resilience and aspiration.” With the unveiling of the official jersey, the Jammu & Kashmir Pickleball Team stands at the forefront of this exciting sports revolution, poised for success both regionally and nationally.
