India, March 1 -- From underused rooftops and podium slabs to vacant plots and even basements, real estate developers are repurposing low-utility areas into pickleball courts as the sport gains traction among young homebuyers. What began as a niche recreational activity has become a marquee amenity in both premium and mid-segment housing projects, reflecting a broader shift in buyer preferences toward active, community-driven living, experts say.

Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum, the sport was declared the official state sport of Washington in 2022. Today, it is played in over 80 countries and has seen sharp growth in India, particularly in metros such as Mumbai and Benga...