Pickleball’s ironman: The inspiring journey of Arvind Prabhoo
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A car accident on New Year’s Eve in 1987 resulted in Arvind Prabhoo being paralyzed from the neck down. However, it significantly enhanced his mental resilience.
At the time of the incident, Prabhoo was a vibrant 20-year-old, fully engaged in life. He was in his final year at MS Ramaiah Medical College in Bengaluru, poised to follow in the footsteps of his esteemed father, Dr. Ramesh Prabhoo, a former mayor of Mumbai. Additionally, he was an active participant in competitive badminton and table tennis.
With an inherently optimistic outlook, Prabhoo faced the aftermath of the accident with determination, committing himself to a fulfilling life. Nearly four decades later, he plays a pivotal role in various sports initiatives and serves as the chairman of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), a position that places him at the forefront of a sport gaining popularity among the public, celebrities, and sponsors alike.
“Neither my parents nor I lamented our circumstances. Perhaps they expressed their sorrow privately, but never in my presence,” Prabhoo shares with HT while preparing for the World Pickleball League (WPL), set to commence in Mumbai on January 24. His tone is devoid of theatrics or moralizing, a contrast to what one might expect from someone in his situation.
Reflecting on the accident, Prabhoo recounts, “I was driving a friend’s red Maruti 100 when the vehicle lost control and overturned. My spinal cord sustained severe damage.”
He acknowledges that alcohol had been consumed by the group, yet he asserts that he was fully aware and had driven 40 kilometers without incident prior to the crash.
Prabhoo emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive perspective. “No one lost their life. My friends were not significantly injured. Every December 31, I celebrate with a cake. That day marked my second chance at life,” he states.
The support from friends and family, along with the Prabhoo family's notable influence, proved invaluable. A transformative experience was his rehabilitation in Boston, where he participated in the hospital's social integration programs.
On certain occasions, the hospital staff would take us to a bar or for pizza, which significantly enhanced my feeling of belonging, Prabhoo recounts.
Upon his return to India, Prabhoo made several attempts to complete his medical education. However, he came to the realization that even if he succeeded academically, pursuing a career as a physician was not a viable option. Subsequently, he ventured into the cable industry, inspired by the marvel of having sixteen channels in the United States. After selling that enterprise, he dedicated himself to sports, primarily through Mumbai’s Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul, where he currently serves as chairman.
Prabhoo was introduced to pickleball in 2017 and recognized the game's potential for accessibility among various age groups and genders. Seven years later, the sport has experienced remarkable growth, with approximately 70,000 players in India, including 10,000 who compete professionally. The WPL has garnered investments totaling $10 million over a three-to-five year span. ITC’s Bingo chips have reportedly entered into a ₹12 crore agreement with the AIPA. Prominent figures such as Harsh Goenka, Karan Johar, and Alia Bhatt have publicly supported the sport.
Prabhoo expresses his satisfaction that pickleball has gained the “wow factor.” However, he takes greater joy in the fact that the sport is enabling its entire ecosystem, including coaches and players from smaller towns, to achieve a sustainable livelihood.
Regarding his perspective on overcoming challenges, he states, “The accident left me paralyzed, but I retained my intellect, oratory, and leadership abilities. One must seek opportunities within adversity.”
In essence, when life presented Arvind Prabhoo with a challenge, he discovered a path forward through pickleball.
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