The J&K Pickleball Association, the official governing body for Pickleball in the Union Territory under the aegis of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA)—affiliated with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India—has officially appointed Taekwondo player Danish Manzoor as its Ambassador to strengthen and grow the Pickleball community across the region.

Danish, a well-known athlete from J&K with achievements in Taekwondo at national and international levels, will now work towards creating awareness, encouraging participation, and supporting grassroots initiatives in Pickleball, one of India’s fastest-growing sports.
Expressing his excitement about the new role, Danish said:
“It is an honor to be appointed as the Ambassador of the J&K Pickleball Association. As an athlete, I strongly believe in the power of sport to bring people together and inspire positive change. Pickleball is a fast, fun, and inclusive sport, and I am looking forward to introducing it to more youngsters and communities across Jammu & Kashmir.”
“My aim will be to help build a strong Pickleball ecosystem in the region by motivating young players, collaborating with schools and clubs, and ensuring that the sport gets the recognition and participation it truly deserves.”
Pickleball, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has witnessed remarkable growth in India over the last few years, attracting athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds. With Danish’s appointment, the J&K Pickleball Association aims to leverage his sporting influence to boost participation, host grassroots tournaments, and create structured pathways for talent development.
Speaking on the appointment, Viraj Singh, Secretary of the J&K Pickleball Association, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Danish Manzoor as the Ambassador of the J&K Pickleball Association. His sporting achievements and influence among youth make him the perfect representative to carry our vision forward. Together, we aim to build a vibrant Pickleball culture in Jammu & Kashmir, create opportunities for players across all age groups, and position the Union Territory as a leading center for the sport in India.”
With the vision of making Pickleball one of the most inclusive and widely played sports in the Union Territory, the J&K Pickleball Association is committed to building a strong community across all age groups and positioning Jammu & Kashmir as a key hub for the sport in India.