Hyderabad has officially secured its place among the first five city-based teams revealed for the debut edition of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), India’s only official pickleball league launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS).

The city’s early leadership in adopting new-age sports positions it strongly within the league, fronted by its franchise, the Hyderabad Royals.

Hyderabad’s inclusion brings significant momentum to IPBL, coming from a city that has consistently nurtured racquet-sport excellence. Paired with the city’s technology-led growth and youthful sporting demographic, pickleball has found a natural home here, gaining visibility across corporate campuses, communities, and clubs.