Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir Pickleball Association (JKPA) on Wednesday said to have making noteworthy strides in promoting pickleball across the region.
As the official governing body, JKPA is dedicated to increasing participation, organizing competitive events, and ensuring that local players gain recognition at both national and international levels.
“The JKPA is affiliated with the India Pickleball Association (IPA) and is recognized by the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). These affiliations allow players from J&K to participate in official tournaments and gain rankings through Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR),” JKPA President Farid Singh told JKNS.
He said they want to ensure that players receive the best possible opportunities to compete at the highest level. “Our collaborations with national and international organizations are a step toward achieving that,” he added.
Meanwhile, to support emerging talent, JKPA has introduced the J&K State Pickleball Ranking (JKSPR) system. This initiative identifies top-performing players through frequent ranking tournaments, enabling them to compete at national levels and showcase their skills on a bigger stage.
“Regular ranking tournaments will help us assess the players’ growth and prepare them for national and international challenges,” said JKPA Secretary Viraj Singh, adding that they are confident J&K players will make a mark in the sport.
Additionally, the association said it aims to create a structured ecosystem that nurtures talent and enhances opportunities for aspiring players.—(JKNS)