The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has welcomed the Delhi High Court’s decision not to grant a stay on its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF), reaffirming its commitment to regulatory compliance and cooperation with authorities.
The Delhi High Court, vide its judgment dated 02nd February 2026, had dismissed the writ petition filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) challenging the grant of recognition to IPA as NSF.
The judgment dated 02nd February, 2026, has been sought to be challenged by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) by filing a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) before the Division Bench of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. The Hon’ble High Court on 07th April, 2026 issued notice on the LPA and directed the MYAS to produce the record regarding the recognition process.
In alignment with the National Sports Development Code of India, which mandates that sports body recognition is subject to an annual review, and as had also been directed by the ld. Single Judge, the Court directed the Union Government to afford AIPA the opportunity to submit written representations and grant a personal hearing during the consideration of IPA’s annual renewal application.
The Hon’ble Division Bench, despite repeated submissions being made by the counsel for AIPA, did not grant a stay of the recognition granted to IPA and/or of the Ld. Single Judge’s order dated 02nd February, 2026. Furthermore, the Hon’ble Division Bench also did not accept the submission of the counsel for AIPA that the Union Government should be directed to conduct its annual review “uninfluenced” by the observations in the Ld. Single Judge’s order.
“The Indian Pickleball Association welcomes the transparency and the Court’s insistence on adhering to the provisions of the Sports Code, and IPA is confident that the comprehensive review of records will further validate the legitimacy of IPA’s operations and unwavering commitment to the growth of Pickleball in India under the prescribed regulatory framework,” the IPA said in a statement released.
The matter is now scheduled for further proceedings on May 11, 2026, and IPA remains fully cooperative with the Union Government and the Hon’ble Court to ensure a swift and just resolution.
