GOA PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION FOCUSSES ON PLANS TO MAKE GOA ‘PICKLEBALL HUB’

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Goa Pickleball Association (GPA), affiliated with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), is working on ambitious plans for the sport in the state. GPA president Manoj Patil, secretary Parag Chauhan, treasurer Praveen Shenoy along with a dedicated team of members, are committed to promoting and developing Pickleball here, aiming to create a vibrant community and establish Goa as a national and international hub for the sport.

In an impressive display of dedication, the GPA successfully organised four events within a span of just one month, since its formation. The highlight was the prestigious 3rd Pickleball National Ranking Tournament, held in collaboration with Sports Authority of Goa, at the Tennis Courts in Fatorda, Margao, from May 19 to 21. The tournament attracted top players from across India, showcasing intense competition and fostering a spirit of camaraderie among participants.

In the run-up, GPA had conducted two workshops for physical education teachers in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs. These workshops aimed to introduce Pickleball to teachers in North and South Goa, with approximately 150 participants in total. Additionally, a three-day certified Umpires clinic was held concurrently with the National Tournament, providing hands-on training to 50 participants in umpiring skills. These initiatives reflect the GPA’s commitment to popularising the sport and ensuring its sustained growth in the region.

With its unique blend of badminton, tennis, and table tennis elements, Pickleball offers a delightful and accessible sporting experience for people of all ages and skill levels. Looking forward, the Goa Pickleball Association has set its sights on further developing the sport across the state. Their vision includes introducing Pickleball to various starred hotels, educational institutions, and taking the sport into various Talukas in Goa. There are plans to also host notable national and international events and championships in Goa, creating a platform for players from around the country and the world to showcase their skills and foster the growth of Pickleball as a global sport.

President Manoj Patil expressed his enthusiasm for the remarkable interest for Pickleball in Goa, emphasising, “Pickleball serves as a gateway to an active and healthy lifestyle. Its exceptional accessibility sets it apart, requiring minimal equipment and adaptable to various settings. Our plans are to introduce children and players of all ages to this affordable sport. Shift their focus from mobile phones to the sheer joy of physical activity. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey and discover the thrill and camaraderie that Pickleball offers. Together, let’s make Goa a hub for Pickleball, where passion and excellence collide on the courts.”

Noel Noronha, a former State Table Tennis champion, who won Silver at the National Tournament, praised the game’s simplicity and inclusivity. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “Pickleball seamlessly combines elements of various racket sports, making it an incredibly engaging and inclusive game. My wife is the reason I continue playing all sports today. However, till Pickleball she never really showed any interest coming on to the court and was happy to be the motivating partner. During a Pickleball demo, she really got involved and now we have procured our own portable net to have some family fun and engagement along with our sons. The beauty of Pickleball lies in its ability to bring families together, and to share joyous moments playing the game, which could be played anywhere.”

The Goa Pickleball Association has received unwavering support from prominent personalities and sports enthusiasts alike. Notable attendees at the three-day National Ranking Tournament included the Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant; state BJP President, Sadanand Tanavade; MLA Reginaldo Lourenco; Arjuna Awardee, Brahmanand Shankhwalkar; Director of Sports, Rohit Kadam; MLA, Daji Salkar; SP Nidhin Valson (IPS) and former Tennis champion, Gaurav Natekar, besides National and World Federation President Arvind Prabhoo and other Federation officials.

The Goa Chief Minister who was captivated by the energy and enthusiasm displayed during the tournament, shared his experience on Social media. “Had an amazing time trying my hand at Pickleball during the 3rd National Ranking Tournament in Goa! Enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of all the players. I believe Goa has the potential to become not just a national hub but also an international hub for Pickleball. Let’s work towards promoting and developing this exciting sport in our beautiful state!”, Dr Sawant tweeted.

Dr Sawant’s endorsement serves as a strong impetus for the Goa Pickleball Association and reinforces their vision of establishing Goa as a thriving centre for Pickleball.

With the journey of Pickleball in Goa only just commencing, the state association is poised to transform it into an extraordinary adventure, propelling Goa to become an international hub and sought-after destination for Pickleball enthusiasts far and wide.

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