The Indian Open 2025 marked a major milestone in India’s sporting calendar, showcasing the country’s rising stature in the global pickleball scene. Held in Mumbai from February 3 to February 9, the tournament brought together top-tier athletes, passionate fans, and a professional atmosphere never before seen in Indian pickleball history.
🎾 A Premier Event for a Fast-Growing Sport
As pickleball continues to explode in popularity across India, the Indian Open has become the nation’s flagship tournament, drawing international attention. The 2025 edition featured:
- Over 1,200 players from 12+ countries
- More than 25 professional-grade courts
- A total prize pool of ₹1 crore (approx. $125,000)
- Full-day live coverage, on-site fan zones, and merchandise stalls
The event was jointly organized by India’s national pickleball federation and several private sporting partners, with the goal of putting India on the global pickleball map.
🌟 Highlights from Indian Open 2025
Elite Competition
From juniors to seniors, amateur hopefuls to world-ranked professionals, the competition spanned all age groups and skill levels.
Key matchups included:
- Men’s Singles Final: A dramatic three-set duel between India’s top-ranked Raghav Verma and USA’s Ethan Brooks
- Women’s Doubles Final: A surprise win by the teenage duo from Bengaluru against the reigning champions from Thailand
- Mixed Doubles Showdown: A nail-biting match decided by golden point tiebreaker
International Participation
Teams and athletes from countries like the USA, Thailand, UAE, Australia, Canada, and the UK brought an international flair and raised the tournament’s quality and prestige.
🏟 Venue and Organization
The tournament was hosted at NSCI Dome in Mumbai, temporarily transformed into a pickleball arena with:
- 20 indoor and 6 outdoor courts
- LED scoring systems
- Player lounges and media zones
- A fan arena featuring interactive zones, beginner courts, and training demos
The venue was praised for its professional setup, fan engagement, and accessibility — a clear sign that pickleball in India is evolving beyond community clubs and into the professional era.
📺 Media, Sponsors & Crowd Buzz
Indian Open 2025 was broadcast live on multiple sports channels and digital platforms, with over 2 million online views during finals weekend alone.
Major sponsors included:
- Indian sporting goods brands
- Fitness and wellness companies
- Beverage and fintech startups
Crowds peaked at over 6,000 attendees on finals day, creating a stadium-like atmosphere for a sport once played mostly in silence.
🌱 Development Programs & Legacy
In addition to world-class competition, the Indian Open 2025 focused on grassroots growth:
- Free workshops and clinics for children and beginners
- Launch of a national school pickleball initiative
- Scholarships announced for promising youth players
The event wasn’t just a tournament — it was a platform to inspire the next generation of Indian pickleball stars.
🔮 What Comes Next?
With its success, Indian Open has firmly established itself as:
- A key annual event in Asia’s pickleball calendar
- A benchmark for tournament professionalism in the region
- A stepping stone toward India hosting global pickleball championships in the future
Plans are already underway for Indian Open 2026, with more courts, bigger international presence, and potential collaboration with major global pickleball bodies.
✅ Conclusion
Indian Open 2025 wasn’t just a sports event — it was a turning point. It proved that India is not just playing pickleball — it’s leading it. With record-breaking participation, global talent, and unmatched energy, the Indian Open has set a gold standard for pickleball in Asia and positioned India as a serious contender on the world stage.