First edition of Amaravati Pickleball League inaugurated with participation from sports and political leaders
VIJAYAWADA | August 8, 2026
VIJAYAWADA: The Amaravati Pickleball League (AMPL) made its debut in Andhra Pradesh with its first edition being inaugurated in Vijayawada on August 7, 2026. The tournament was organised at Nitro Pickleball and Café and was scheduled to run from August 7 to 9.
Sports Minister inaugurates the league
Andhra Pradesh Transport, Youth and Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy inaugurated the tournament. Vijayawada MLA Gadde Ramamohan Naidu, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) Chairman Ravi Naidu, and actor Sushanth were among those present at the inaugural programme.
The event marked an important step in bringing pickleball into the mainstream sporting ecosystem of Andhra Pradesh.
Focus on developing pickleball in Andhra Pradesh
Speaking at the inauguration, the Sports Minister said the league could become a milestone in promoting pickleball and developing the sport across the State.
He said the government was committed to encouraging new sporting disciplines and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in sports.
The minister also said that the tournament could help take the name of Amaravati to different parts of the country through sport.
Vijayawada chosen as the host city
The inaugural league was conducted at Nitro Pickleball and Café in Vijayawada, providing players with a dedicated indoor facility for the competition. The event brought additional attention to Vijayawada’s emerging sports infrastructure and the growing popularity of pickleball in the region.
Why pickleball is gaining attention
Pickleball has been growing rapidly in India, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. The sport can be played in singles or doubles formats and is attracting players across different age groups.
The Amaravati Pickleball League was positioned as more than a one-time tournament, with organisers hoping that events of this type would help create a stronger competitive environment and encourage more young players to take up the sport.
🏆 Tournament details
| Details | Information |
|---|
| Event | Amaravati Pickleball League (AMPL) |
| Edition | First edition |
| Location | Vijayawada |
| Venue | Nitro Pickleball and Café |
| Dates | August 7–9, 2026 |
| Inaugurated by | Sports Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy |
| Other guests | Gadde Ramamohan Naidu, Ravi Naidu, Sushanth |
| Sport | Pickleball |