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Easy-to-learn sports like pickleball and badminton, along with the rise of esports, are breaking age barriers and building thriving communities.
Rasika Dugal is busy mastering pickleball. (Photo Source: Instagram)
In today’s fast-paced world, finding genuine connections can feel harder than ever. Yet, one space where friendships are effortlessly forming is on the sports court. Whether it’s pickleball, padel, badminton, or even esports, people from different generations and walks of life are discovering shared passions that go beyond age or background. These interactions are not only building fitness habits but also creating vibrant communities rooted in play.
Why Young People Are Choosing Sport Over the Gym
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According to Ujwal Deole, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, KheloMore, Gen Z and Millennials are motivated by two key drivers: fitness and community. “Gyms can feel a bit intimidating, especially for beginners, and they don’t always create that sense of belonging people are looking for,” he explains.
This is where sports like pickleball and badminton have found their sweet spot. They are easy to learn, don’t demand years of training, and allow people to dive straight into the fun. “What really works with these sports is how simple it is to get started. In a city or even a smaller town, you can just show up, find a game, and jump in. You meet people, play, and before you know it, you’ve had a good workout too,” Deole adds. For younger generations, the blend of fitness and social interaction makes these sports irresistible.
Sports as a Community Movement
The role of community in sport, however, goes well beyond casual games. As Rohit N Jagasia, founder, Revenant Esports, points out, “No sport can survive without the support of the community. Historically we’ve seen how communities have rallied behind their teams, be it football, cricket, or F1.”
Even with new-age formats like esports or fast-growing racquet sports, the story is the same: people come together to play, watch, and celebrate. Jagasia believes this sense of belonging presents a massive opportunity to build ecosystems that bring together sponsors, local businesses, and platforms. “We have to transcend from online arenas to on-ground festivals that can draw thousands of fans and recreate an atmosphere where the thrill of traditional sports converges with the adrenaline rush of esports,” he says.
Lower Barriers, Higher Belonging
What sets new-age sports apart is their accessibility. Traditional sports often required years of coaching or expensive infrastructure. Esports and racquet sports, on the other hand, lower the entry barriers. “Unlike other traditional sports, anyone with a console, a PC, or even a mobile phone can participate in esports events. We have to make esports lifestyle events by creating cultural touchpoints so the value lies in belonging and not just being a spectator,” Jagasia explains.
His own brand, Revenant Esports, has leveraged strategic partnerships with iQOO, Monster Energy, and AMD to create exactly that ecosystem. These collaborations, he notes, have not only boosted Revenant’s visibility but also provided brands with powerful entry points into the esports space.
The Future of Play
From bustling badminton courts to packed esports tournaments, one thing is clear: sports are no longer just about winning or losing. They are becoming hubs of connection, where fitness meets friendship and shared passion breaks down barriers of age and background. As Deole highlights, the joy of simply showing up to play can transform lives, while Jagasia envisions a future where both physical and digital games create cultural communities on a global scale.
In the end, whether with a racket or a controller, friendships forged on court are proving that sport old or new remains one of the most powerful unifiers of our time.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 05, 2025, 12:09 IST
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Author: News18
