Pickleball, the fast-growing sport that’s sweeping across the globe, is now booming in India. GoRally, a homegrown pickleball chain, just raised $750,000 (Rs 6.6 crore) in a pre-seed funding round, and they’re all set to expand at a rapid pace. With big backers and ambitious plans, GoRally is positioning itself to become the leader in India’s pickleball ecosystem. Here’s why everyone is talking about this game-changing startup and what’s next for pickleball in India.
GoRally’s $750,000 Funding: What’s the Big Deal?
GoRally is a pickleball chain that has quickly become one of the most exciting players in India’s sports and fitness scene. Founded in February 2024 by two passionate entrepreneurs, Sam Sancheti and Abhinav Shankar, GoRally has already gained a loyal following and built up impressive momentum. With this new round of funding, GoRally is set to fuel its growth and expand its operations nationwide.
The round was led by Sujeet Kumar, Co-Founder of Udaan and ex-Head of Operations at Flipkart. Several other high-profile investors, including the founders of Ultrahuman, ex-CFO of American Razor Safety Co., and many others, have also joined in to support GoRally’s vision.
What Makes GoRally Stand Out in the Indian Market?
GoRally is not just another sports startup—it’s a movement. The company’s focus is to bring pickleball (and its cousin, padel) to the forefront of India’s recreational sports scene. With its community-driven approach, GoRally has already gained significant traction in Bengaluru, and its next goal is to expand nationwide.
Here’s why GoRally is becoming India’s go-to brand for pickleball:
- Rapid Growth: Since its launch, GoRally has already established four centres in Bengaluru, offering 15 courts—including its flagship 15,000 sq. ft indoor facility near Indiranagar. That’s no small feat in such a short time!
- A Thriving Community: GoRally isn’t just about playing sports; it’s about bringing people together. The company boasts a 4000-strong WhatsApp community—a testimony to how pickleball has caught on as a social phenomenon in urban India.
- Tech-Driven Approach: GoRally’s mission goes beyond just creating great facilities. It’s also building a tech platform to enhance the community experience, streamline bookings, and bring players together for its popular ‘Open-Play’ game format.
What’s Next for GoRally? Major Expansion on the Horizon
With this fresh funding, GoRally has set its sights on even bigger goals. The company plans to expand rapidly, increasing its presence across India. Here are the key developments to look out for:
Scaling Up: More Centres, More Courts
GoRally isn’t stopping at Bengaluru. The startup plans to open eight centres and operate 40 pickleball and 2 padel courts by April 2025. These new centres will not only cater to pickleball enthusiasts but also introduce padel—another sport that is rapidly gaining popularity in India.
One of the standout upcoming facilities is GoRally Whitefield, which will feature a 40,000 sq. ft indoor pickleball-padel arena—making it one of the largest of its kind in the country.
Expanding Beyond Bengaluru: GoRally Heads to Major Cities
GoRally’s growth plans extend far beyond Bengaluru. The company is already eyeing expansion into major cities like Delhi and Chennai by the end of 2024. With strategic partnerships in place, GoRally is ready to bring pickleball and padel to new markets and connect with sports enthusiasts across India.
Boosting Coaching & Equipment Retail
GoRally isn’t just focusing on courts—it’s also doubling down on coaching and equipment retail. The company already offers top-tier coaching services with full-time coaches who include some of Karnataka’s top pickleball players. Additionally, GoRally is selling high-quality sports equipment, including some of the best brands in the world like Joola—positioning itself as a full-stack player in India’s sports ecosystem.
Why Pickleball is the Next Big Thing in India
Pickleball may have started in the US, but it’s taking India by storm. Here’s why this sport is so appealing to Indians and why GoRally’s rise is no surprise:
- A Sport for All Ages: Pickleball is easy to learn, and it’s suitable for everyone—from kids to senior citizens. It’s a great way for families to bond and stay active together, which is why GoRally is tapping into this market.
- Social Sport: Beyond fitness, pickleball is a social sport that brings people together. With GoRally’s focus on community-building, it’s no wonder that the sport is becoming a hit in urban areas where people are looking for fun, engaging ways to socialize.
- Affordable and Accessible: Compared to other racquet sports like tennis, pickleball requires fewer resources, making it more affordable and accessible. GoRally’s mission is to create world-class facilities that are accessible to people from all walks of life.
GoRally’s Vision for the Future: Making Sports Accessible to Millions
GoRally’s ultimate goal is ambitious yet achievable: to get the next 10 million Indians playing sports. The team behind GoRally believes that pickleball and padel will not only transform fitness but will also become an integral part of Indian culture.
“We’re just scratching the surface,” says Abhinav Shankar, Co-Founder of GoRally. “From first-time players to families, we’ve seen pickleball become more than just a sport—it’s a social phenomenon. This round sets the foundation for our next phase of growth, and we’re excited to scale our impact across India.”
What This Means for India’s Sports Ecosystem
GoRally’s $750,000 funding isn’t just a win for the startup—it’s a game-changer for India’s recreational sports ecosystem. As more urban Indians look for accessible and social fitness options, pickleball is poised to become a major player in the Indian sports landscape.
With its plans to expand rapidly, build top-notch facilities, and integrate innovative tech features, GoRally is positioning itself as the leader in India’s pickleball scene. The company’s community-first approach, combined with its commitment to offering quality coaching and equipment, makes it the go-to destination for pickleball enthusiasts.
Conclusion: The Future of Pickleball in India is Bright with GoRally
GoRally’s rise in India is a clear indicator that pickleball is here to stay. With its $750,000 funding and ambitious expansion plans, the startup is well on its way to becoming the dominant force in India’s pickleball and padel ecosystems.
As GoRally continues to build world-class facilities, create a thriving community, and introduce innovative tech solutions, it is set to make a lasting impact on how Indians engage with sports. For those looking to experience the thrill of pickleball, GoRally is the place to be.
