Pickleball in Hong Kong and Asia in 2026: The News So Far

2026 has been a big year for pickleball in Hong Kong. The government revised its list of free public courts in April, the local association reported more than 10,000 players, and the PPA Tour Asia ran a ten-stop professional season that ends with the US$1.1 million Hong Kong Slam at Kai Tak, 19–25 October. Here’s the year’s news in one place.

Did Hong Kong get more public pickleball courts?

The list of free courts changed, but venues remain the sport’s biggest challenge. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s trial scheme, which since January 2025 has opened free outdoor badminton courts for pickleball, revised its list of venues from 1 April 2026. Six venues are on the current list, from Bowen Road in Wan Chai to Tuen Mun Park. The full list, with booking tips, is in our guide to free public courts.

How big is pickleball in Hong Kong now?

In a January 2026 interview with TVB, Philip Chan, secretary general of the Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, said:

• the city has over 10,000 players;
• the government provides more than ten outdoor and indoor courts;
• the association works with community halls in almost all 18 districts, and with some private clubs, to find space;
• venues are “our big challenge and opportunity”, because many people who work during the day can’t get LCSD courts.

Chan also said he hoped to host a tournament at Kai Tak Sports Park with players from neighbouring cities and countries such as Singapore and Indonesia, and described pickleball as a bridge for sports exchange in the Greater Bay Area.

What happened on the professional tour in Asia?

The PPA Tour Asia announced its 2026 calendar in February: ten stops in seven markets.

Event	Dates (2026)
MB Hanoi Cup	1–5 April
Kuala Lumpur Open	13–17 May
Macao Open	27–31 May
China Open 1	17–21 June
Tokyo Open	1–4 July
Singapore Open	23–26 July
Ho Chi Minh City Open	6–9 August
China Open 2	20–23 August
Kuala Lumpur Cup	9–13 September
Hong Kong Slam	19–25 October

“The 2026 calendar reflects the incredible growth of professional pickleball across Asia,” said Kimberly Koh, managing director of UPA Asia.

Why is the Hong Kong Slam such a big deal?

The season finale at Kai Tak Arena carries up to US$1.1 million (HK$8.58 million) in prize money, the highest in Asian professional pickleball, and more than 860 professional and amateur players. Every player spot filled within two weeks.

Hong Kong’s top-ranked player, Wong Hong-kit, won the men’s singles at last year’s inaugural Hong Kong Open and returns to defend it, after winning 5 gold, 5 silver and 13 bronze medals so far this year. For the schedule, tickets and how to watch, see our Hong Kong Slam spectator guide.

Is pickleball heading for the Olympics?

Not yet. As of June 2025, no pickleball organisation had recognition from the International Olympic Committee. The International Pickleball Federation and the World Pickleball Federation merged in 2024, and member nations affirmed the merger in June 2025 under the name Unified World Pickleball Federation.

Where can I follow pickleball news across Asia?

For tournaments, the PPA Tour Asia site has the calendar and tournament draws. For the wider community, Pickleball Asia covers markets from Japan and Korea to Southeast Asia, Greater China and South Asia, with directories of courts, players and coaches, rankings and regional news. It names Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines among the fastest-growing markets.