Pickleball: Thane’s Next Big Hit

A new generation of competitors and recreational players is quickly adopting pickleball as their preferred sport. Combining elements of table tennis, badminton, and lawn tennis, the sport is both accessible yet challenging. Saujas Pawar, co-owner of Pickle Adda, notes that pickleball is easy to pick up, making it approachable for everyone from young kids to seniors. For instance, his father, at the age of 67, is an active pickleball player. Unlike many sports, it does not require extreme stamina or a massive court size. Players often find themselves “hooked” after just 4-5 sessions. Many seasoned tennis players, including Saujas himself, are now converting to pickleball. It has transitioned from a hobby to a cultural phenomenon in India, and is reshaping how people spend their mornings and evenings. The community in Thane has seen a massive surge in the last 2 years. The Pickleball Thane Community has grown into one of the biggest in the region, with over 2000 members. Just like how the Ghodbunder area has a high concentration of courts, “Old Thane” is also seeing an active rise. One large traditional turf can be converted into 3-4 pickleball courts, maximising utility and revenue. Many courts now provide paddles and balls for free, giving an extra ‘bonus’ to the players. Despite its popularity, the current playing population is only about 5-10%. However, with global organisations supporting the sport, it is clear that pickleball is in for the long-run