Inside Thakare Pickleball Academy: Pune’s Powerhouse for India’s Fastest,Growing Sport

As the wave of pickleball sweeps across India, one name is quickly rising to the top , Thakare Pickleball Academy. Nestled in the heart of Pune, Maharashtra, this academy is more than just a training ground. It’s a symbol of how a relatively new sport can capture the imagination of a nation, one city at a time. In this blog, we explore how Thakare Pickleball Academy is leading the charge for pickleball in India, setting benchmarks for excellence, accessibility, and community engagement.

Pickleball in India: The Bigger Picture

Before we dive into the academy’s specifics, it’s essential to understand why pickleball is booming in India. A mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a smaller court. Its low impact nature, easy learning curve, and social appeal have made it a hit across age groups.

From apartment complexes in Bengaluru to gated communities in Lucknow, pickleball courts are popping up across the country. As per recent estimates, India has seen a 500% rise in pickleball participation in just the past three years. And at the center of this movement in western India stands Thakare Pickleball Academy.

The Birth of Thakare Pickleball Academy

Founded in Pune by sports entrepreneur and pickleball enthusiast Mr. Yogesh Thakare, the academy was established with the vision of providing world class training, facilities, and exposure to budding Indian players.

Mission & Vision:

• To make pickleball a household sport across Maharashtra and India
• To identify and nurture young talent from grassroots levels
• To create national and international pickleball champions from India

State,of,the,Art Infrastructure

One of the academy’s biggest USPs is its dedicated pickleball courts, designed according to International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) standards. Located in a quiet suburb of Pune, the facility includes:

• Multiple synthetic pickleball courts
• LED floodlights for night practice
• Professional coaching zones
• Locker rooms and shower facilities
• Cafeteria and viewing gallery

The emphasis on creating a professional and enjoyable environment sets Thakare apart from other recreational centers popping up across India.

To book a court or training slot at Thakare Academy or explore pickleball spaces near you, you can do it easily through Khelomore  India’s leading digital sports booking platform.

World,Class Coaching Staff

The academy boasts a team of certified pickleball coaches, many of whom have played competitively at national and international levels.

Coaching Highlights:

• Personalized player assessments
• Tactical and strategic training
• Physical conditioning and sports psychology sessions
• Match simulation drills and video analysis

Coach,to student ratios are kept low, ensuring individual attention and faster skill development.

Programs for All Skill Levels

Whether you’re a beginner trying pickleball for the first time or an aspiring pro aiming for international tournaments, Thakare Pickleball Academy has a program tailored for you.

Key Programs:

• Beginner’s Boot Camp – 4,week introduction to the game
• Junior Development Program – Ages 10–18, focused on foundational training
• Elite Performance Program – For state and national,level players
• Weekend Recreational Sessions – Casual play for adults and seniors

All programs integrate fitness training, mobility exercises, and competitive exposure, giving participants a 360,degree sporting experience.

Fueling Grassroots Growth

What makes Thakare Academy stand out is not just its facilities but its commitment to grassroots pickleball development.

Community Outreach:

• Partnering with local schools to introduce pickleball in physical education.
• Hosting free weekend clinics in nearby towns and Tier 3 areas.
• Conducting rural talent scouting programs in Satara, Solapur, and Ahmednagar.

These efforts are often amplified through local community events and digital coordination, many of which are powered via the Khelomore app, which helps connect players, track tournaments, and schedule group activities.

Tournament Success & Recognition

Players from Thakare Pickleball Academy have already started making waves on the competitive circuit.

Recent Achievements:

• Gold and silver medals in the Maharashtra State Pickleball Championship
• Podium finishes in All India Pickleball League
• Selection of academy players for international training camps in Thailand and the USA

The academy has also hosted some of India’s largest regional tournaments, drawing crowds from Gujarat, Karnataka, and even Delhi.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Recognizing the academy’s role in growing pickleball in India, several brands and organizations have come forward to collaborate.

Key Collaborations:

• Decathlon India – Sports gear and paddles
• Khelomore App – Facility booking and community events
• Sports Authority of India (SAI) – Grassroots training support
• Local health brands – Nutrition and hydration support for players

These partnerships have helped in scaling the academy’s outreach and maintaining high,quality infrastructure.

Digital Push: Online Presence & Community Building

The academy is leveraging digital platforms to attract more players and promote the sport nationwide.

• YouTube tutorials on footwork, serve techniques, and game rules
• Instagram Reels featuring academy highlights and behind,the,scenes moments
• WhatsApp groups for player coordination and match scheduling

They also conduct online strategy sessions and Q&As with top coaches and pro players, enabling a hybrid learning model.

Why Pune is Perfect for Pickleball

Pune’s active lifestyle, fitness,oriented population, and strong sports culture make it the perfect city for a pickleball hub. With a mix of students, working professionals, and retirees, there is a wide target audience eager to adopt new sports.

The city’s mild weather and large number of residential societies make outdoor pickleball viable year round, unlike regions that face extreme summer or monsoon conditions.

Future Plans: Scaling the Movement

Thakare Pickleball Academy is not stopping here. They have ambitious plans to:

• Launch five satellite centers across Maharashtra by 2026
• Create a Pickleball Coaches Certification Program in collaboration with AIPA

These steps are not just about expanding the academy, they’re about laying the foundation for pickleball to become a mainstream sport in India.

Testimonials from the Community

“My 13,year old daughter joined Thakare Academy last year, and now she’s representing Maharashtra. We never thought a sport like pickleball would open up such opportunities!”  Shruti Patil, Parent

“I’ve tried tennis and badminton, but the atmosphere at Thakare Pickleball Academy is unmatched. The coaches genuinely care.”  Rajeev Sharma, 28, Recreational Player

“The best part is the community here. We play, learn, and grow together.”  Swati Rane, Senior Citizen Group Leader

Conclusion: Thakare Academy is Setting the Standard

As India looks to diversify its sporting identity beyond cricket, pickleball has emerged as a fresh, inclusive, and dynamic option. And leading that transformation in western India is Thakare Pickleball Academy, Pune.

With its structured programs, community engagement, and clear vision, the academy is setting the gold standard for pickleball training in India. Whether you’re a curious first,timer or a meda lchasing pro, Thakare Pickleball Academy offers a home, a platform, and a future.

In the story of India’s fastest growing sport, Thakare Academy is not just a chapter  it’s the title.