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In a historic move for the sport of pickleball, member nations of the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) voted unanimously at Special General Meetings (SGMs) to unify into a single international governing body. The unified entity will uniquely continue to champion "One Country One Vote" - ensuring proper representation for all nations.
The new organisation will initially operate under the name World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and is established as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) entity registered in Illinois, USA. It will combine the assets and resources of both federations into one unified structure. To align with the global sports community and meet the highest standards of governance, the new WPF will also be registered in Lausanne, Switzerland--home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC)--and is fully committed to meeting all IOC recognition requirements, including: Democratic governance and equal voting rights for all member nations Transparent operations and financial oversight Gender equity and athlete representation Compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards Conflict resolution and disciplinary frameworks Adherence to the Olympic Charter With WPF having been established over six years ago, the unified body is well-positioned to immediately begin the IOC recognition process. In contrast to any other organisations claiming to represent the sport internationally, the new WPF distinguishes itself through full democracy, transparency, and international legitimacy. "This unification is a landmark achievement for pickleball worldwide. By combining our strengths and committing to the highest international standards, we are sending a clear message: pickleball is ready to take its place among the world's most respected sports," said Arvind Prabhoo, President, IPF "The pickleball community wants and needs one International Governing Body for the sport of pickleball. With 100 member countries and six years in business, the new unified WPF has met the first two critical requirements for IOC membership. We look forward to continuing to grow pickleball at the grassroots worldwide while pursuing our dream of being a full participating sport at an upcoming Olympic Games," said Seymour Rifkind, President, WPF As part of its founding process, the new WPF is inviting nominations for Directors to form its inaugural Board. These Directors will be elected by member countries at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in August 2025, ensuring that governance reflects the sport's diversity, inclusivity, and global reach. This unification marks a transformative step in the evolution of pickleball on the world stage, laying a strong foundation for growth, legitimacy, and global recognition. Finally, with true democratic representation & governance on the world stage: Pickleball Wins! (ANI)
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