Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 19 : Pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport, has quickly captured the interest of youth in the Valley following the launch of professional courts at WHS Sports Hub in Sonwar Bagh, Srinagar.
The sport, a mixture of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is already making waves as an exciting new recreational activity in the valley.
As per the details available with the news agency, local youth are flocking to the new courts, eager to experience the sport that combines fast-paced action with easy-to-learn rules. “It’s thrilling to try something different,” said Amaan, a school student.
“Pickleball is not just fun but also a great workout. We have needed something like this for a long time,” he added.
Similarly, the accessibility of pickleball has made it appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. “What makes it special is that anyone can play,” said an official from WHS Sports Hub Sonwar.
“We have already seen groups of friends and families enjoying their time on the courts. It’s fostering a sense of community,” he added.
Interestingly, for many, the introduction of pickleball is more than just a new sport; it is a refreshing addition to Kashmir’s growing sports culture.
Shabir Ahmad, a local from Sonwar, Srinagar, said the youth here are always looking for innovative activities. “Pickleball fits perfectly because it is easy to pick up and has great physical benefits,” he said.
“As more players take up paddles, WHS Sports Hub is poised to become a center for this growing sport, introducing Kashmir to a global trend while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle. It is worth mentioning that pickleball is a fast-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Its gameplay includes players using paddles to hit a plastic ball with holes over a low net on a court that’s the same size as a badminton court. You can play singles or doubles,” they said
