Can Pickleball Build India’s Next Generation of Athletes

With the inaugural Karnataka Pickleball Premier League bringing seven franchise teams together in Bengaluru, Joshua Upputuru, Founder of Joshua Tree and owner of Coorg Originals, discusses building athlete pathways, identifying talent beyond established systems and creating a sustainable sports ecosystem.

Q. Is pickleball’s rapid growth creating real sporting depth, or just a bigger participation economy?

At present, it is creating both, but participation alone doesn't build a sport. The real test is whether we convert today's enthusiasm into structured coaching, competitive pathways, and athletes who can perform consistently at higher levels. Pickleball has an opportunity to learn from other sports and build that foundation early. Growth is exciting; depth is what will sustain it.

Q. What does India’s sports ecosystem still fail to identify when it comes to talent?

We often identify talent through existing systems rather than looking for potential beyond them. Access, geography and financial resources can determine who gets noticed. India has extraordinary athletic ability across smaller towns, schools and underserved communities. We need to recognise transferable skills, mental resilience and the capacity to learn, not just existing achievements. Talent is everywhere; opportunity isn't.

Q. Can franchise leagues genuinely develop athletes, or are they mainly becoming entertainment properties?

They can do both, but development must be intentional. Entertainment brings audiences, sponsorship and visibility; those are essential. However, a league's legacy should also be measured by coaching standards, athlete progression, competitive exposure and opportunities created beyond the tournament. A franchise must invest in the sport between seasons, not just show up when the cameras roll.

Q. What will make Coorg Originals a competitive sporting institution rather than just another franchise?

For us, Made of Coorg is more than a tagline; it is an identity rooted in passion, resilience and community. We want Coorg Originals to build a culture where performance, discipline and belonging coexist. That means investing in athletes, creating meaningful partnerships and connecting the team with its community. Winning matters, but building something that continues to create value beyond a single season matters equally.

Q. How do you build a pipeline for athletes coming from tennis, gymnastics and other sports into pickleball?

We must identify transferable abilities and bridge the gaps through sport-specific coaching. Tennis players bring court awareness and tactical understanding; gymnasts contribute balance, coordination and body control. But pickleball has distinct demands, particularly around the kitchen line, soft-game strategy and doubles communication. We need structured assessments, transition programmes, qualified coaches and regular competition, with progression measured through performance rather than assumptions.

Q. If Joshua Tree PLAY succeeds, what should India’s sports ecosystem look materially different from five years from now?

I want Joshua Tree PLAY to demonstrate that sport can be built as a sustainable ecosystem, not merely an event or entertainment property. Five years from now, I would like to see more athletes accessing professional pathways, stronger grassroots-to-league connections, better commercial opportunities for emerging sports, and franchises investing in communities. Our ambition is to bring together sporting excellence, storytelling, technology and commercial thinking to build institutions that outlast individual tournaments. Success should be measured not only by trophies or revenues, but by how many opportunities we create for the next generation.