Picklebay and India Autism Center Serve Hope, Smash Stigma with ‘Dink & Donate’ - India’s First Pickleball Fundraiser for Autism Inclusion

In a powerful convergence of sport and social impact, Picklebay, India’s first pickleball platform and the India Autism Center (IAC) hosted ‘Dink & Donate’—India’s first ever Pickleball Fundraiser aimed at raising awareness, breaking stigma, and building inclusive spaces for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Held at Ballygunge Arena, Kolkata, the event opened with a thoughtfully designed introductory coaching session for autistic individuals and their caregivers. Guided by certified coaches in a safe, welcoming space, the session embodied the event’s purpose: to use sport as a bridge between worlds often kept apart.

Later, courts were thrown open to the Pickleball community for a 3-category Open doubles event—Women’s, Mixed, and Men’s Doubles. Around 100 players participated, with each paying a registration fee of ₹2,000. All proceeds including all amounts raised from Sponsors like Biskfarm, RBL Bank, Marga and many more totalling to ₹8 lakhs—were donated to IAC to further its mission of autism research, awareness, and inclusive infrastructure.

Jaishankar Natarajan, CEO at India Autism Center said, “At the India Autism Center, we believe sports like pickleball play a crucial role in building an inclusive community—on and off the field. We sincerely thank Picklebay for their unwavering support in creating a more inclusive space for individuals with autism.”

The event was graced by Shivika Burman, former Fed Cup player, Asian Games squad member (2010), and Captain of the Indian Junior Tennis Team, now Director of The Tennis Tree.

Shivika shared, “This event is a beautiful reminder that by coming together we create spaces where every individual with a disability can thrive. I am truly honored to join hands with the India Autism Center and Picklebay in supporting such a vital cause.”

Also present were parents and caregivers whose lived experiences made the day all the more resonant.

Priyanka Arora, mother of young participant Om Arora (Marga Wellness), said “This is the first time Om has been formally invited to participate in a sport. He's always been curious and eager to try different sports. We're truly grateful to the India Autism Center and Picklebay for creating such opportunities. We look forward to being part of more initiatives like this in the future.”

Siddhant Jatia, Founder at Picklebay, added “Pickleball is a sport that builds community, connection, and joy—and we believe those are powerful tools in creating inclusive spaces. Partnering with IAC allows us to channel that power for a meaningful cause. This event helped break stigmas and foster empathy through action.”

As rackets met paddles and strangers became teammates, the message was loud and clear—to serve hope and smash stigma. With energy on the courts and empathy off it, ‘Dink & Donate’ proved that inclusion is more than a cause—it’s a collective commitment.