India, Dec. 3 -- A new chapter in India's alternative sports scene kicked off this week as the inaugural season of the Indian Pickleball League launched by the Times Group, opened at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Having begun as a leisure hobby for many, pickleball is now gaining much recognition and is growing as a sport faster than ever. Known for being easy to learn, the sport has seen a surge in players across Delhi-NCR in recent years, especially among young working professionals and recreational sporting groups.

The evening began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and the unveiling of the trophy. The league was formally inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, who spoke about the evolving sp...