Andre Agassi visited India on Friday to launch the PWR DUPR India League. During his visit, he delivered an encouraging message to Indian parents, urging them to introduce their children to pickleball - a new sport that has taken the world by storm.

Agassi emphasised on the affordability of pickleball while comparing it to tennis. He also highlighted how pickleball is much more accessible for families without the financial burden often associated with other traditional sports.

“My message is it's a win for your lives on every level. First of all, it's not going to make you go broke, like other sports, like tennis, right? It's affordable,” he said.

Agassi also explained how pickleball can develop a youngster and help him or her to build on early success, which he believes is crucial for the holistic development of children. By allowing younger players to experience early success, pickleball also boosts confidence and provides a positive outlet for growth, observed the 54-year-old tennis star.

"You can experience success early, which is great for just social development, just children developing emotionally, mentally. It's healthy. It's going to extend their life. And what else would I say? Say, give it a go, because that's all you have to do is try it a few times, and it'll be part of your life," said Agassi.

During his visit, Agassi also revealed how the sport positively impacted his health. Describing the game’s physical demands, Agassi noted, “When I played pickleball there is a lot of exhaustion that happens. I also realised this within the last few months when I could not go from a pickleball court to a meeting because I was so tired mentally,” he said.

He credited pickleball for helping him shed 40 pounds but at the same time joked that he gained those 40 pounds during his time in India, which he attributed to the country's delicious but calorie-laden food items.

"After playing pickleball, I'm honestly tired mentally and physically and once I came back after a game, it was like I just came out of a swimming pool with my clothes. That's how much you sweat and it helped me lose 40 pounds. But then I should never have had the 40 pounds but I blame India for some of those pounds,” he joked.

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