Pickleball 2023: 1st UP state Pickleball tournament

Noida: The Powerpuff players are all set to hit the tournaments and prove their sportsmanship. The tournament will take place in the fields of Raghav Global School, Noida from 7.30 am onwards on 5th November. 

Uttar Pradesh Pickleball Association (UPA) has received an astounding 200+ player registrations, generating significant anticipation. The enthusiasm and dedication with which the sport is being embraced are truly inspiring. 

Brand new game is not so new, know how it was started

The Pickleball game was first introduced in Noida by the residents of Prateek Laurel, Sector 120 some time back and its craze has been sweeping through Prateek Laurel for the past 1.5 years, uniting sports enthusiasts in a passion for this energetic and addictive game. PickleBall Journey in Uttar Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh PickleBall Association (UPA) efforts are commendable so far to uplift the game in the State. 

Prabhat Mani Vats, General Secretary of UPA (Uttar Pradesh Pickleball Association says, “30-40 enthusiastic players within Prateek Laurel formed the Challengers Club. This club set out to introduce Pickleball to a wider audience, organizing numerous intra-society tournaments that garnered an overwhelming response.”

This included seniors and ladies who quickly embraced the sport, showcasing remarkable skill, alongside an emerging interest among kids and teenagers. 

Today, the Challengers Club boasts players who have earned national-level recognition and medals.”

Prabhat Mani Vats, General Secretary, of Uttar Pradesh Pickleball Association says, “Inspired by this success, a group of like-minded individuals envisioned a Pickleball Association to harness this sport’s burgeoning popularity, given its ease of pickup. Thus, the Uttar Pradesh Pickleball Association (UPA) was officially registered to make everyone fit and like this… ‘badhta gaya kaarwan.’

UPA’s Mission and long-term goals to achieve 

UPA’s mission is to promote Pickleball throughout the entire state, with a primary focus on raising awareness in Noida and subsequently expanding to other districts in Uttar Pradesh. The ultimate goal is to develop 1000+ skilled Pickleball players within the state in the year 2023-24.

Lots of boot camps and practice sessions gave birth to UPA 

Recently, UPA appointed Kapil Mehra, a Zodiac Resident as head of Promotional Committee, UPA to promote the game in sector 119-120x.

Prabhat Mani Vats says, “In pursuit of this goal, UPA has devised a strategic plan to engage a broader audience. The initial phase began within Prateek itself, where UPA organized boot camps and training sessions, resulting in the recruitment of over 60 players across various age groups.”

He continues, “Further extending their outreach, UPA hosted Bootcamps in nearby societies such as Amrapali Zodiac and Cleo County, amassing an impressive roster of 40+ new UPA registered players.

One of the landmark achievements has been UPA signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NOFAA to promote this game in 90+ High-rise societies in Noida.”

Noida will be a hub of Pickleball 

As gathered, Pickleball’s popularity is on the rise, but challenges remain, such as the need for professional Pickleball courts and increased exposure to the general public. 

UPA is wholeheartedly committed to addressing these challenges, making Noida and Uttar Pradesh a Pickleball hub in the future. The team now looks forward to taking Uttar Pradesh Pickleball to even greater heights shortly.  

Distinguished figures are set to grace the UPA tournament

K Kumar, President of UPA informs us that the dignitaries will be present at the event to grace it and to cheer the players. 

Some of them are Shri Mahesh Sharma, a Member of Parliament who is an avid sports enthusiast, Shri Pankaj Singh, MLA who is also a sports enthusiast and President of the Asian Cycle Association, Mr Rajat, Secretary, IPA, Mr Rajiva Singh, President Of NOFAA, Shri VS Chauhan, Chairman of Prakash Hospital. 

What is NOFAA

NOFAA, an association representing over 90 high-rise societies in Noida, brings a wealth of experience and a strong network to support the growth of PickleBall in Uttar Pradesh.

Through this partnership, UPA and NOFAA will work together to organize various PickleBall events, tournaments, and training sessions for the affiliated members, fostering a vibrant PickleBall community in the region.

NOFAA Signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to promote and develop the game of PickleBall in the region, providing an incredible opportunity for NOFAA-affiliated societies to showcase their skills, compete at state and national levels, and encourage friends and families to join the fastest growing sport.

Know the UPA officials 

• K Kumar – President
• Kapil Verma – Vice -President
• Prabhat Vats – General Secretary
•  Ashish Gupta – Treasurer 
• Kalpit Sharma – Joint Secretary
• Aditi Joshi – Joint Treasurer
•  Aman Gupta – Executive Member
• Sandeep Sinha – Executive Member
• Tarun Goswami – Executive Member

And well supported by UPA core members Prem, Siddharth, Sukender, Navdeep, Raghav and Raj Sen

Rajiva Singh, President of NOFAA and Advisory Board of Directors for UPA is a well-known figure in Uttar Pradesh and has a rich background in sports, having been associated with Cycling and other sports activities for many years. His guidance and mentorship will be invaluable in the growth and development of the Association.

Kalpit Sharma, Joint Secretary of UPA says, “The Uttar Pradesh Pickleball Association (UPA) is committed to the growth and promotion of Pickleball in the state. With its strategic vision and dedicated team, UPA aspires to lead Noida and Uttar Pradesh into a Pickleball-filled future.”

Amritanjan, the Lawn tennis coach also explained the rules of Pickleball, he explained that all the rules are the same. 

Ashish , Treasurer of UPA, a State player of Pickleball explains to us that it is a mixture of three games and there is a slight difference. 

Prabhat Mani, General Secretary of UPA, the face behind the successful recognition of pickleball in Noida says,” This is a fast-paced game and this fame is where elders can play and enjoy. It increases the family bonding and everyone just loves playing it as it is a fun game.” 

Sponsors – 

• Apparel Partner – SL
• Media Partner – Apartment Times 
• Sports Shoes Partner – DVonk
• Drinks Partner – FirstVista
• Food Partner – Mr Bhature
• Academic Partner – S R College 
• Ball Partner – Franklin 
• Medical Partner – Prakash Hospital 
• Distinguished Sponsors – Delta Wallace, Baramda, Adab.
• Grocery Partner – Mart & More, Electrical Partner – Wonders