Recap: The IPBL Story: A full narrative overview of the tournament

The inaugural edition of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) has officially entered the history books, marking a defining moment for one of India’s fastest-growing sports. Hosted at the iconic KD Jadhav Hall inside Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the six-team tournament delivered high-quality action, compelling storylines, and a clear vision for the future of pickleball in the country.

The IBPL happens to be the only national league sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The league was launched by India’s Times Group and it proved to be a major success in taking the fastly growing popularity of the sport across the country.

Emerging as champions were the Mumbai Smashers, owned by Absolute Sports, whose dramatic turnaround became the defining narrative of IPBL 2025.

After remaining winless in their first four matches, the Mumbai-based franchise showed immense resilience. A crucial final league-stage victory helped them stay alive, after which they negotiated the tie-breakers, surged into the semifinals, and ultimately lifted the championship trophy in a remarkable comeback story.

IPBL can transform pickleball culture in India like IPL and PKL did for cricket and kabaddi

Much like the IPL transformed cricket and the PKL reshaped kabaddi, the Indian Pickleball League aims to revolutionize the pickleball ecosystem in India. IPBL 2025 marked a significant shift in how Indian audiences consumed the sport, introducing a franchise based model that blended competitiveness, entertainment, and professionalism.

A major factor behind Mumbai Smashers’ title-winning run was the exceptional form of Quang Dong, who emerged as one of the stars of the tournament. Dong was a model of consistency and composure, going unbeaten throughout the singles campaign. His ability to control rallies, absorb pressure, and deliver points at crucial moments made him an invaluable asset and a cornerstone of Mumbai’s championship journey.

On the women’s side, Roos van Reek stood out as the most impressive performer, representing the Chennai Super Warriors. Her aggressive play, sharp court coverage, and leadership qualities were instrumental in Chennai’s dominant league-stage showing, where they finished top of the table. Although they narrowly missed out on reaching the final, the Super Warriors ended the tournament in third place, with van Reek’s performances leaving a lasting impression.

The final standings reflected the competitiveness of the league. Mumbai Smashers finished as champions, while the consistently strong Hyderabad Royals claimed the runner-up position. Chennai Super Warriors, despite topping the league stage, secured third place, and the Lucknow Leopards rounded off the top four in fourth position.

One of IPBL 2025’s biggest highlights was the opportunity it provided Indian players to compete alongside and against elite international professionals.

Stars such as Ryler DeHart, Megan Fudge, Shelby Bates, and Alisson Harris not only elevated the level of play but also shared their experience and knowledge, helping nurture the next generation of Indian talent. Young players like Pearl Amasadiwalla, Ammol Ramchandani, Stavya Bhasin, Divyanshu Kataria, Arik Badami, and the exceptionally young yet sharp Arjun Singh gained invaluable exposure on a national stage.

The six-day tournament featured a unique mix of singles, doubles, and Grand Rally matches, ensuring that success depended not just on individual brilliance but also on teamwork, coordination, and strategic understanding. This innovative format added depth and excitement to every tie.

With television broadcasts and live streaming available nationwide, fans across India were able to follow the action closely. Free entry at the venue further boosted local engagement, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the event.

Overall, IPBL 2025 proved to be a fantastic beginning for the Indian Pickleball League. With strong performances, compelling narratives, and growing fan interest, the league has firmly established itself as a key pillar in the sport’s growth. As anticipation already builds for the next edition, IPBL appears well on its way to shaping the future of pickleball in India.

Edited by Vinay Chhabria