India is all-in on pickleball.
Then again, you already know that. We’re not even three months into 2025 and a lot has already happened in the Indian pickleball scene. The 4th IPA Nationals Pickleball Tournament held at Bennett University in Greater Noida just concluded, while the World Pickleball League is now ongoing.
Now, India even has its own dedicated laboratory for researching pickleball equipment. This developed after the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) opened the country’s first Pickleball Equipment Research Lab.
A groundbreaking India’s Pickleball Equipment Research Lab was made possible via AIPA’s partnership with Brainwave SportsTech. It was opened specifically to standardise pickleball equipment quality and further professionalise the sport throughout India.
“This is a proud and pioneering moment for AIPA and pickleball in India. Establishing our own research and testing facility has always been a part of AIPA’s vision., ensuring our equipment meets international standards and reflects our commitment to excellence,” said Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo, President of AIPA. “We have created the best pickleball players and our vision is now to provide them with the best quality equipment to make them more efficient in the sport.”
The Pickleball Equipment Research Lab is a state-of-the-art lab that will take point in testing and certifying pickleball equipment. This rigorous evaluation will ensure all equipment used in tournaments adhere to quality benchmarks.
India’s pickleball pros previously relied on certifications from international bodies. But with the launch of the Pickleball Equipment Research Lab, the need for a dedicated domestic facility that can comprehensively evaluate equipment performance and safety will be addressed accordingly.
“The launch of this cutting-edge Equipment Testing Laboratory marks a significant milestone for pickleball in India and beyond. As the only lab in the world exclusively dedicated to pickleball equipment testing, it reflects AIPA’s visionary commitment to elevating the sport,” said Sunil Peshane, Director at Brainwave SportsTech.
He added: “This state-of-the-art facility, equipped to conduct rigorous testing under varied climatic conditions, ensures that equipment meets the highest standards of durability, safety, and performance. By providing science-backed evaluations, we are empowering manufacturers and players to enhance their products and gameplay, strengthening the global pickleball community and positioning India as a leader in the sport.”
As part of its collaboration with AIPA, Brainwave SportsTech will be bringing specialised expertise and cutting-edge technology to the Pickleball Equipment Research Lab to ensure accurate and reliable testing. It will comprehensively assess a wide variety of pickleball equipment, including paddle performance, ball specifications, and other essential gear.
With the opening of the Pickleball Equipment Research Lab, AIPA is hoping to increase the chances of finally securing official recognition from the Indian government and the Sports Authority of India. This recognition will help the association fulfill its goal of integrating pickleball into school and university programs, as well as national-level competitions.
To this end, AIPA believes that the opening of the Pickleball Equipment Research Lab will strengthen their case for recognition and establish India as a vital player in the global pickleball arena.
