Pickleball Kingdom’s global ambitions are officially coming to life. Following last year’s announcement of a master franchise deal to bring the brand to India and the UAE, the fast-growing indoor pickleball company has confirmed the operational launch of Pickleball Kingdom India — its first on-the-ground expansion beyond the U.S.
The move represents a major shift from franchise planning to real-world activation. While the April 2024 announcement established an agreement to develop international territories, the latest update introduces the team responsible for building and operating the brand’s first India facilities: Team BAQ Wizards India, led by Bhanu Gulati, Anuj Duggal and Qudrath Ali.
Together, the group brings more than 30 years of combined experience in leadership, business and sales — and a mission to establish pickleball as a wellness and community movement across India.
“From day one, India has been our number one choice for international expansion,” said Ace Rodrigues, the founder and CEO of Pickleball Kingdom, in a statement. “India’s energy, athletic spirit and love for community mirror everything Pickleball Kingdom stands for. This is the biggest announcement our company has made to date. The future is very exciting.”
The expansion comes as pickleball continues its global ascent, moving beyond its U.S. stronghold into emerging international markets hungry for social, skill-based recreation. According to Pickleball Kingdom, India’s deep-rooted passion for racquet sports such as tennis and badminton makes it a natural fit for the sport’s next evolution.
“Pickleball Kingdom’s spirit of joy, inclusivity and well-being mirrors our own values,” said Bhanu Gulati, in a statement. “For us, it is about more than launching a brand, it is about creating a movement that builds community, connection and balance across India.”
The company now boasts more than 400 awarded franchise locations in the U.S. — up from 140+ a year ago.
“Our launch in India marks another powerful step in Pickleball Kingdom’s global mission to bring the Kingdom experience to players everywhere,” said Rob Streett, the president and chief global officer of Pickleball Kingdom, in a statement. “The energy and enthusiasm we’re seeing internationally confirm that the world is ready for Pickleball Kingdom. Now is the time for new partners to join us in taking this movement worldwide.”
For the BAQ Wizards team, the expansion blends business with purpose.
“We are bringing together the American vision of dreaming big and Indian empathy for community,” said Anuj Duggal, in a statement. “This is more than a business venture, it is the start of a sustainable, scalable and joyful ecosystem for pickleball throughout India.”
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
