The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), through President Arvin Phrabhu, formally appointed Bhisham Batra as the association’s vice president in a historic announcement during AIPA’s General Meeting held in Jammu over the weekend.
Batra is a well-respected entrepreneur and visionary and is a director in the Batra Group. He is associated with Platinum Business Sports Network and has been active in promoting pickleball in India.
Notably, he worked tirelessly to bring the 9th AIPA National Pickleball Championship to Jammu, where India’s talented picklers converged and delivered top-notch pickleball action from 26 to 28 September 2025. The tournament was notable for recording the highest-ever participation in its history as over 450 players from more than 24 states competed.
“Bhisham’s dedication and energy will do wonders for the sport. His ability to unite stakeholders and deliver world-class events has already been proven in Jammu. As Vice President, he will help strengthen India’s position on the global pickleball stage,” said Prabhu, who praised Batra’s appointment and spoke highly of the entrepreneur’s organisational drive and commitment to excellence.
Among other things, Batra is expected to spearhead efforts in expanding pickleball infrastructure in India, enhancing player opportunities and nurturing top-flight talent, and ensuring that pickleball becomes a household sport in the years ahead.
Batra could also play a role in helping AIPA navigate its efforts at challenging the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association as the national sports federation (of pickleball in India. Despite that shock announcement, AIPA has continued to push pickleball to greater heights in India, hosting successful tournaments and supporting its athletes.
With Batra as the association’s new VP, expect bigger, bolder things from AIPA.
