KARSTEN MIRANDA
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MARGAO: Are you too among those who wanted a lighter version of tennis but something more than table tennis with a court experience? Wait no more as the Pickleball revolution takes over the Goan landscape with a paddle and a special plastic ball for the sport.
Glen D Costa describes Pickleball as “A racquet sport combining tennis, badminton, and table tennis which is easy-to-learn, social, and addictive. A sport which is perfect for all ages and skill levels.”
Originally invented in 1965 in the USA, D Costa was introduced to pickleball during a trip abroad. “I was captivated by its addictive nature and welcoming community. Having played nationals in table tennis and getting fatigued, pickleball was the natural progression for me,” D Costa added.
Talking about the attraction to the sport, D Costa said, “The slower-moving ball and smaller court
size make it accessible to players of various ages and skill levels. The social aspect, emphasizing doubles play and camaraderie, sets it apart.”
The sport’s journey in Goa began with Nishad Shevde, a national-level tennis and table tennis player from Fatorda. “End of January 2023, I started playing pickleball at BPS Club in Margao with my friend Lara De Miranda,” he recalls. “We used to play on the outdoor badminton court, lowering the net to the appropriate pickleball height. If I’m not mistaken, we were the only ones in Goa playing the sport regularly at that time,” Shevde stated.
The growth has been nothing short of explosive. “Pickleball in Goa has grown tremendously, largely through word of mouth,” Shevde explains. “Being a small state, news spreads quickly here. It only takes one person to try the sport, and soon they bring their friends, who then bring their friends, and so on,”
he added.
The numbers tell a compelling story. From a handful of players, the community has expanded rapidly. “Today, we have a large group of enthusiastic players, more than 20 in number and three dedicated courts for pickleball at the BPS Club,” Shevde proudly states with key figures like Cleon Barretto, Nelita Coelho, Ehrlick de Ataide, Natasha de Ataide, Janice Dias, and Willy Jacques, all instrumental in spreading the sport.
Multiple venues have emerged as pickleball hotspots, Chicalim Pickleball Club, established by Umaji Chowgule and Marvelyn Dias, Sogofit by Arjun Vernekar at Borda in Margao and Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias at Miramar in Panjim.
A significant milestone was achieved in December 2023, when the Goa team participated in the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) nationals in Ahmedabad. “This was our first time sending a team to the Nationals. I reached the quarterfinals in the Men’s Open Category, defeating India’s No. 4 player. First-time players Glen and Sanket Nayak also delivered impressive performances,” informed Shevde with the pride very evident.
The Goa Pickleball Association (GPA) led by Aditya Oberoi has been pivotal in the sport’s journey in the State. From opening new courts at various locations, making the game more accessible to enthusiasts to organising a national
pickleball event in Margao, in May last year. GPA
introduced the sport to students at Green Meadows School, Margao.
D Costa attributes the sport’s growth to “word-of-mouth, social media
promotion, and collaborations with local clubs and organizations.” Regular self-organized tournaments have helped build a strong community.
“Initially, challenges included finding suitable venues, sourcing equipment, and raising awareness about the sport,” D Costa admits. “Persuading people to try a new, unfamiliar game was a hurdle. But the sport’s inherent accessibility has overcome these initial obstacles,” he added.
For Shevde, the future looks bright. With an estimated 100+ active players and growing, pickleball in Goa is more than just a passing trend—it’s a sporting revolution, he says.
The sport has even inspired playful team identities, with the Chicalim Pickleball Club proudly dubbing themselves the “Chica-Pickas” – a testament to the community spirit that defines pickleball’s local culture. These passionate players exemplify the sport’s ability to create bonds and bring people together through a shared love of the game.
As D Costa perfectly captures it, pickleball offers “simple rules and basic strokes” that make it accessible, with “gentle, injury-friendly workouts” and “quick volleys and strategic plays” that keep both players and spectators engaged.
