India Surpasses USA in Pickleball Ratings, Leading Global Rankings

India has made significant strides in the world of pickleball, recently achieving a remarkable milestone by surpassing the United States in average player ratings. According to the latest data from the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) for July 2026, India's average rating is recorded at 3.607, while the United States, the birthplace of the sport, trails behind with a rating of 3.449. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the United States has long been considered the epicenter of pickleball, hosting major professional tours and events. DUPR serves as a comprehensive live rating system that assesses players based on real match results, with ratings typically ranging from 2.0 to 8.0. Earlier this year, the India Pickleball Association (IPA) adopted DUPR as its official rating system, ensuring that all IPA events are recognized as DUPR Verified Events, further solidifying the sport's growth in the country.

In addition to outpacing the United States, India also ranks higher than several other countries with established pickleball communities. Canada follows with an average rating of 3.345, while the United Kingdom and Australia have ratings of 3.339 and 3.204, respectively. These nations have had organized pickleball for a longer period, making India's rise in the rankings even more impressive. Leading the global ratings is Sweden, boasting an average rating of 4.211, the only country to exceed the 4.0 mark. Spain and Poland closely follow with ratings of 3.967 and 3.963, respectively. Despite the United States being the largest market for pickleball, India's achievement in average ratings highlights the potential of its emerging player base and the growing popularity of the sport within the nation.