On 11 January 2025, The Minda Club didn’t just host a tournament, it redefined pickleball in North India.

What began as a single woman’s vision became a landmark sporting experience. The Pickleball Passion Project launched with the largest prize pool the region had seen, drawing top-ranked players from 18 states alongside record amateur participation.

Beyond the scale, it was the atmosphere that stood out, serious competition infused with carnivalesque energy, where community, families, and first-time players shared the spotlight. Innovative formats, including a parent–child category, proved that high-level sport can remain inclusive, vibrant, and human.

Observers asked: How did a first-time initiative draw such sponsor traction without PR agencies?

The answer — personal passion, trusted relationships, and belief in the sport. The message was unmistakable: Pickleball has arrived!