Sports have always been a fine companion of ours, accompanying us through the ups and downs of life. When frustrated, we need sports to change our minds; when sad, we need sports to escape reality for a while; when feeling down, we need sports to lift our spirits, and when we're euphoric, we need sports to express all those delightful emotions.
When we talk about sports, there are two types: individual sports, which you can play alone, and team sports, which require a companion or a team. However, it solely depends on your interest in which kind of sport you are interested in. Either indoor or outdoor, or team or individual. And this is how sports have shaped our lives.
But several people in this world have chosen sports to be their purpose in life. These sportspeople have not only followed their interest and headed towards their passion, but have also influenced the sports and made them popular. Several popular sportspeople have made these sports so popular that they have been growing rapidly.
So wanna know which sports they are? If yes, then read the blog till the end to know more.
Fastest Growing Sports in The World
Well, Pickleball sports stand at the top when it comes to the fastest-growing sports in the world. When we talk about pickleball, it is a mixture of paddle sports such as tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Pickleball is played in a smaller court, with a small plastic ball with holes and a paddle. The game of pickleball is played back and forth over a low net and can be played in singles as well as doubles.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has seen a growth of over 150% in the last three years. As of 2025, over 10 million people play it regularly in the U.S., and Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi are seeing a sharp rise in pickleball courts. Schools and societies are now including it in their sports curriculum. Countries like Canada, Australia, Japan, the UK, and even parts of European countries are adding pickleball to their sports lists.
A Glance At the History
The history of pickleball is quite interesting. It was invented in 1965, on Bainbridge Island in Washington, USA, by three dads, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum. These dads were finding ways to entertain their children, and this is how they invented the game of pickleball. The game started with a badminton court, pickleball paddles, and a plastic ball; and thus, they created the game of pickleball. Another interesting fact about this pickleball game is that it was named after the Pritchard family's dog, 'Pickles', who loved chasing the ball during the matches!
Why Is Pickleball Growing So Fast?
There isn't a single reason why pickleball is growing so fast.
Easy to Learn and Master
The pickleball game is easier and accessible for all, and doesn't need years of training. The game can be learnt at a basic level in an hour, which makes it difficult for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Loved By All
From children to adults, everyone loves the game. So, whether you're 8 or 80, picking up the paddles and hitting the court is done by all. Its low-impact nature is especially loved by older adults looking to stay active without injury.
Affordable
No huge investment. You have to buy a ball and a paddle. Many communities and sports centres have added a pickleball court, making it accessible to people to practise and play the pickleball game.
Social and Fun
Pickleball indeed is also a solo sport, but unlike many of them, pickleball thrives on interaction. Doubles play is common in the small court, which means players stay close and engaged. Hence, it builds community and friendship.
Other Growing Sports
After pickleball, there are also other sports which are growing rapidly, like.
Paddle
Paddle was created in Mexico in 1969, but quickly spread across countries like Argentina and Spain. The paddle is a game with a blend of tennis and squash, which is played on enclosed walls and a smaller court. The paddle requires less space than tennis, making it ideal for urban settings. The reason why it is growing so fast is that it is fast-paced and social, appealing to the younger population.
Cricket (T20 and Franchise Leagues)
The T20 format of cricket is also one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Despite how long cricket has been played, the introduction of the T20 has transformed it into a faster and more exciting format. The reason why it is growing faster is that it is shorter and more entertaining for modern audiences.
Kabaddi
Kabaddi is also one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, which originated in ancient India. In the Asian Games, India has won 9 gold medals, of which men won seven and women two. In the year 2007, India won the Kabaddi World Championship 2007, beating Iran 29-19. India is also the host to the world's first Kabaddi League. In 2016, Indian won the Kabaddi World Cup 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fastest-Growing Sports in the World.
What Is the Fastest-Growing Sport in the World?
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport globally, especially in the United States, where the participation rate has risen over the past three decades.
Is Kabaddi Growing Internationally, Too?
Yes! Kabaddi, once seen mainly in rural India, has transformed into a major league sport thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Its fan base is expanding to countries like Iran, South Korea, and even Kenya.
Where Does Cricket Stand Among Fast-Growing Sports Today?
While cricket isn't a "new" sport, its T20 format, franchise leagues like the IPL, and its expansion into the U.S. (Major League Cricket) are helping it reach new audiences.
The world of sports is constantly evolving, and today, pickleball leads the charge as the fastest-growing sport globally. Not only pickleball, but other sports such as cricket, kabaddi, and paddle are also growing rapidly, catching people's interest. Through this blog, you got an idea of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Turf Town is a platform to discover the best playing grounds near you. You can also join a group of people who share your interest in the game. The app is available for both Android and iOS users.
Thank you!