APA conducts Outreach Programmes in NE Region
APA DISTRICT OUTREACH PROGRAMME TAKES PICKLEBALL ACROSS THE NORTHEAST Clinics and player-development initiatives conducted across Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya Guwahati: The Assam Pickleball Association (APA) has successfully undertaken a District Outreach Programme aimed at strengthening the grassroots development of pickleball across the Northeast. Led by Nazneen Rahman, Secretary, Assam Pickleball Association and PPR Certified Professional Coach & Clinician, the outreach covered multiple locations across Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya, including Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Kohima, Jalukie, Dimapur and Shillong. The programme, conducted in collaboration with the respective Nagaland Pickleball Association and Meghalaya Pickleball Association, included player clinics, coaching sessions and interactions with the local pickleball communities. Players from different age groups and levels participated, gaining exposure to structured coaching, skill development, game awareness and competitive pathways. The initiative also provided an opportunity to interact with local players and stakeholders, understand the requirements of emerging centres and encourage greater participation and development of the sport at the district level. At Shillong, Nazneen Rahman was assisted by her colleague Shri B. Das, PPR Certified Coach, who contributed to the coaching and player-development sessions. The outreach programme also received valuable organisational support from Shri Zakir Bora, key member and Senior player of Assam Pickleball Association, whose assistance contributed to the successful execution of the initiative. Speaking on the programme, Nazneen Rahman, Secretary, APA, said: “It has been a successful initiative by APA for the development of pickleball in the Northeast. With the support and positive involvement of the respective state associations, I am sure the Northeast will shine and contribute to the ecosystem of the sport in the country.” The District Outreach Programme marks another step in APA’s continued efforts to take pickleball to the grassroots, strengthen player and coaching development, and build stronger inter-state sporting collaboration across the Northeast. With growing participation and increasing interest in the sport, the region holds significant potential to emerge as a strong contributor to the development of pickleball in India.