Pickleball officially arrives in Bhubaneswar via a premium facility
Bhubaneswar's sports landscape expanded today with the official opening of PicklePark, a specialized facility situated directly across from RCM College. This venue introduces the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world to the capital city, providing three high-specification courts designed for professional-grade play. Founders Kabir Hans and Kritika Ghai established this hub to bridge the gap between casual fitness and competitive athletics, ensuring the infrastructure matches international standards.
Professional Standards and Infrastructure
Players can access surfaces featuring seven-layer synthetic technology, which reduces joint impact and improves ball bounce consistency. High-intensity floodlighting allows the venue to operate into the night, catering to working professionals and students alike. While many regional sports complexes focus on traditional cricket or football, this specialised center prioritizes the unique dimensions and surface requirements of pickleball.
Growth of the Sport in Odisha
Odisha has solidified its reputation as India’s sports capital by hosting international hockey and athletics events, and the introduction of pickleball aligns with this broader vision of diversifying athletic opportunities. This sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity across Tier-1 Indian cities due to its low entry barrier and high social engagement.
Coaching and Accessibility
Sessions for skill development take place every evening between 5 PM and 8 PM, led by trainers who specialize in the unique mechanics of the paddle and plastic ball. Hourly court rentals are priced at ₹799, positioning the experience as a premium yet reachable activity for the local community. Prospective regulars can also look forward to upcoming membership tiers that will offer structured benefits and priority scheduling.
Community Focused Vision
Building a social ecosystem remains the primary objective for the founders. Beyond the physical exercise, the park serves as a meeting point for enthusiasts to network and compete in a structured environment. Kabir Hans, leveraging his background as a prominent tennis figure, intends to use this platform to identify and nurture local talent who may eventually represent the state in national pickleball tournaments.
