Good morning, pickleballers!
Yet another new week, and there is plenty of pickleball news to share with you.
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Olympic Medallist Gail Emms Embraces Premier Pickleball League Challenge
London, UK – Olympic medallist and former world No. 1 badminton player, Gail Emms MBE, is set to make her mark in the 2025 Premier Pickleball League (PPL), having been drafted by Surrey Smash. Her entry into the sport has been a “whirlwind,” surprising even herself, as she had initially hoped only for a spot in the Challenger event.
Emms first encountered pickleball while playing badminton with her eldest son, drawn by an “inimitable noise” from a nearby court. Despite initially not knowing the rules, she and her son quickly tried the game and found it hilarious, “smacking the hell out of it”. Emms was “intrigued” by pickleball’s accessibility, especially being able to play on a familiar badminton court, eliminating the need to travel to specialist facilities. After months of recreational play, she began entering tournaments and is now “doing this properly”.
The transition, however, has not been without its challenges. Emms notes that players with a tennis background might have an easier time, as her extensive badminton experience means she has had to “unlearn a lot of stuff,” particularly adapting from shuttlecocks to balls and their different movements. However, pickleball proved to be the best fit to fill the competitive void left after her elite badminton career, with golf, cycling, triathlon, and masters badminton not quite working out.
While downplaying her chances of outright winning on the court, Emms aims to bring more than just her playing ability to Surrey Smash. She emphasises her commitment to the team, stating her role extends to supporting the growth of the sport, coaching, and serving as an ambassador, leveraging her expertise in elite sport and her day job in sports promotion. She feels the team took a “massive risk” on her but is training rigorously to justify their faith, asserting, “If I’m going to do something, I’ll do it right”. Emms expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming PPL, eager to see how it unfolds and hoping her learning curve will be noted as “great”.
Badminton Legend Lee Chong Wei Dabbles in Pickleball, Ponders “Oyenball”
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Legendary Malaysian badminton player Dato’ Lee Chong Wei recently joined the growing ranks of pickleball enthusiasts, engaging in a friendly match with Tengku Zafrul, President of the Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM). Despite his celebrated career in badminton, Chong Wei humbly admitted he is “still far from being a ‘pro'” in pickleball, yet thoroughly enjoyed the “friendly rivalry” and the opportunity to strengthen bonds through sports.
During their game, Chong Wei lightheartedly discussed the origins of pickleball’s name. He shared a popular theory that the sport was named after the inventor’s dog, “Pickles,” who would chase the ball. In a humorous twist, he joked that if the inventor had owned an orange cat, or “Oyen” as they are affectionately known in Malaysia, the sport might have been called “Oyenball”.
While the “Pickles” dog theory is a widely known tale, the article notes that it’s just one of several lingering theories. Another significant theory suggests the name “pickleball” originated from “pickle boat,” a term used to describe a rowing crew composed of mismatched rowers, which reflects the sport’s unique blend of equipment and rules.
Pickleball itself, a dynamic sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, is not a new invention. It was actually created in 1965 in Washington, USA. Its popularity has soared in recent years, being named the fastest-growing sport in the United States from 2021 to 2024. Chong Wei’s participation further highlights the sport’s increasing global appeal and its ability to attract high-profile athletes from other disciplines. His playful take on the sport’s name adds a personal and engaging touch to its burgeoning narrative in Malaysia and beyond.
Historic Inaugural Pickleball Open Concludes in Nagaland, India
Dimapur, Nagaland, India – The 1st Nagaland Pickleball Open, a landmark PWR 50-sanctioned event, successfully concluded on July 13 at Aiko Greens, Dimapur. Organised by the Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) in collaboration with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), this tournament marked the first official pickleball event ever held in Nagaland.
The event attracted a diverse and competitive field, with 32 teams participating from across Nagaland and neighbouring regions, including Assam. Players demonstrated exceptional athleticism, teamwork, and competitive spirit across both the Men’s Doubles Open and Mixed Doubles categories.
In the Men’s Doubles Open, the duo of Megotsolie Khate and Vilasier Khate emerged victorious, securing the champions’ trophy and a cash prize of ₹15,000. Dilip Mohanty and Abyan Zaffar were awarded as the runners-up, taking home ₹10,000 and their respective trophies. For the Mixed Doubles category, the winning pair was Dilip Mohanty and Nazneen Rahman, who received ₹10,000 cash and trophies.
The PWR 50 designation of the tournament significantly boosted its national importance, solidifying Nagaland’s burgeoning presence on the Indian pickleball map. The Nagaland Pickleball Association expressed profound gratitude to the Assam Pickleball Association for their crucial ongoing support and partnership, which was instrumental in the success of this inaugural event. Additionally, special thanks were extended to Dilip Mohanty, who served as the Tournament Director, ensuring the competition maintained high standards of professionalism and smooth coordination throughout. This historic event signals a bright future for pickleball in the region, showcasing its growing appeal and competitive potential.
Singaporeans in Their 50s Score Unprecedented Professional Pickleball Contracts
Singapore – In a remarkable testament to the sport’s inclusivity and the adage that “age is just a number,” two Singaporeans in their 50s, retired lawyer Yeo Jih-Shian (56) and Pini Lee (57), have secured professional pickleball contracts with apparel brand Sypik. This unprecedented move challenges the typical age range for professional athletes in other sports.
Yeo, who picked up pickleball during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, quickly ascended the ranks, winning various tournaments and now holding the title of Singapore’s top-ranked men’s doubles player with a 5.148 dynamic universal pickleball rating (DUPR). He expressed immense gratitude for this opportunity, noting that it’s a rarity in almost any other sport for someone his age to play professionally and be sponsored. Joining them on Sypik’s professional team are 25-year-old Zermaine Lew, Singapore’s top women’s doubles player, and 40-year-old Ping Boon Chia.
Sypik’s spokesperson, Giang Huyen Trang, highlighted that this partnership is a significant milestone for pickleball in Singapore and underscores the sport’s rising prominence. The company is actively signing players from across the region, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, as part of its efforts to grow the sport. The professional contracts include a monthly allowance, reimbursement for overseas tournament travel, and performance bonuses.
According to Sypik’s pro team manager for Singapore, Adrian Cheah, the decision to offer contracts to Yeo and Lee, despite their age, was based on their impressive track record of winning titles in Kuala Lumpur, China, and the United States. Pickleball’s unique nature, which does not heavily rely on “power and speed,” allows older players to remain highly competitive against younger opponents. The newly signed professionals are now looking forward to competing on the Professional Pickleball Tour Asia, with upcoming stops in Hong Kong, Fukuoka, Japan, and Kuala Lumpur.
Defending Champions England Unveil Strong Squad for European Pickleball Championship in Rome
Rome, Italy – Defending champions England have officially named their formidable squad for the upcoming European Pickleball Championship, set to take place from September 18th to 21st at the iconic Foro Italico. The announcement signals England’s strong intent to retain their title, following their impressive victory last year where they bested silver medallists Spain and bronze medallists Italy.
The team will be led by confirmed captains Thaddea Lock for the 18+ category and Richard Love for the 50+ category. The full lineup for the championship includes a mix of seasoned players and new talent, aiming to bring home gold across various categories:
- Women 18+: Thaddea Lock, Molly O’Donoghue, Mollie Knaggs, Katie Morris
- Men 18+: James Chaudry, Louis Laville, Freddie Powell, Ben Cawston
- Women 50+: Anna Linton, Claire Bourgoin, Kirsty Gray, Helen Kenna
- Men 50+: Richard Love, Rupert Robinson, David Youngs, Nathan Hill
Notably, this year’s squad is larger than previous iterations, a direct result of the championship’s introduction of singles categories, broadening the scope of competition. Pickleball England’s selectors also highlighted that the expanded squad size and the inclusion of different faces are partly due to some successful players from last year being unavailable for the 2025 tournament, creating valuable opportunities for fresh talent to step onto the European stage. The championship promises to be a thrilling display of skill and competition, with national pride on the line as teams vie for pickleball supremacy. England’s preparation and selection reflect their commitment to maintaining their dominant position in European pickleball.
Global Pickleball Shoe Market Poised to Double, Reaching $1.1 Billion by 2032
New York, USA – The global pickleball shoe market is projected for explosive growth, with an estimated valuation of $561.8 million in 2025, expected to soar to $1.1 billion by 2032, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 percent. This significant expansion is a direct reflection of pickleball’s burgeoning popularity worldwide, leading to a rapid increase in facilities and player numbers across all age demographics.
The surge in demand has prompted major players in the sports footwear industry, including Asics, Adidas, K-Swiss, Mizuno, New Balance, Nike, and Wilson, to ramp up their manufacturing capacities, with units expanding by 15 percent year-over-year in 2024. These brands are actively developing specialised footwear designed not only to enhance player performance but also to mitigate injury risks associated with pickleball’s unique movement patterns.
Professional leagues are identified as a primary driving force behind the rising demand for customised pickleball footwear. Furthermore, the market dynamics reflect substantial shifts in consumer preferences, pushing for innovation in material sciences and ergonomic designs. While premium models can reach up to $150, the average price point remains competitive at around $75 per unit in the U.S. market.
Regions like Asia Pacific, encompassing countries such as China, India, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, are leading the growth, witnessing an 18 percent market increase in 2024. North American and European markets also continue to be critical consumption hubs. Demand-side analysis indicates a 22 percent surge in imports in 2024, attributed to limited domestic production in emerging markets and increasing adoption of both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Key product differentiators driving market growth include lightweight, breathable materials coupled with abrasion-resistant soles. Moreover, sustainability has become a dominant trend, with brands introducing recyclable materials and eco-friendly packaging in 2025 to align with evolving consumer expectations.
Dallas Flash Dominates, Las Vegas Cooks Up Challenger Win at MLP Mid-Season Tournament
Dallas, USA – The Edward Jones MLP Mid-Season Tournament, presented by DoorDash, concluded with resounding success on July 13, showcasing thrilling matches and unexpected upsets. The Dallas Flash cemented their position as the dominant force in Major League Pickleball (MLP), defending their number one ranking by winning the Premier bracket with a decisive 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Shock in the highly anticipated final.
In the Challenger bracket, Las Vegas emerged victorious, narrowly defeating Nashville in a nail-biting DreamBreaker by a score of 22-20. Both Dallas and St. Louis in Premier, and Las Vegas and Nashville in Challenger, have consistently been the top teams in their respective divisions this season.
The tournament also delivered several surprises. The Miami Pickleball Club pulled off a significant upset by defeating the LA Mad Drops, who were impacted by the termination of key player Quang Duong’s contract. Yuta Funemizu, a Japanese soft tennis star filling in for Miami, notably impressed by beating seasoned players, showcasing an unconventional style with a potentially “very, very high” ceiling. The Texas Ranchers also made a strong showing, finishing fourth and demonstrating newfound momentum after trading for Kaitlyn Christian, pushing New Jersey to the brink in their third-place match.
Looking ahead, the MLP action continues at MLP St. Louis, an event highly anticipated for its potential rematches, including another clash between Dallas and St. Louis. Columbus, New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Texas are all fiercely competing for playoff positions, ensuring that the remainder of the MLP season will be “something to see”. With the top six teams closely matched in talent, any team has the potential to win or lose on any given day, promising continued excitement for fans.
NFL Legend Marshawn Lynch Brings “Beastmode” to Pickleball with JOOLA Partnership
Oakland, USA – Retired National Football League (NFL) superstar Marshawn Lynch, famously known as “Beastmode,” has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with JOOLA, a leading pickleball equipment brand. This partnership aims to inject Lynch’s characteristic swagger, power, and premium performance into the rapidly expanding sport of pickleball.
Lynch, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a vital part of the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII victory, first discovered pickleball in 2018 during a launch campaign for Skittles, his favourite candy. Like many others, he began playing casually but quickly developed a passion for the sport, finding it a perfect way to stay active in retirement. He particularly enjoys the social aspect, including “a bit of s*** talking with your opponents and friendly banter with those waiting for the next game”.
His decision to partner with JOOLA stemmed from his belief that they are “the best of the best” in the industry. Lynch enthusiastically stated, “My m******** name is on it. No, but for real, pickleball is a game that everyone can play, all ages, all walks of life. So going to a court and using my own racket in collaboration with JOOLA is just hella dope”. This sentiment underscores the accessibility of the sport, which he feels passionate about growing.
The JOOLA x Beastmode Essential Paddle Set is designed specifically for those new to the game or just starting out, offering a comprehensive package to get players equipped. While JOOLA also produces elite paddles for seasoned competitors, Lynch’s line is geared towards making pickleball accessible to a wider audience, echoing his belief that it’s a sport for everyone. This collaboration marks a significant moment for pickleball, as high-profile athletes like Lynch bring mainstream attention and a unique brand of energy to the court.
India’s Young Pickleball Stars Depart for Asian Junior Championship in Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam – A contingent of 32 talented young Indian pickleball players has arrived in Vietnam to compete in the Asian Junior Pickleball Championship, which is scheduled from July 13 to 16, 2025. Selected by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), these athletes will represent India across the Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories, showcasing the sport’s significant growth across various Indian states.
The Indian team carries high hopes into the championship, building on their strong performance at the last event, where they secured numerous medals. The players have undergone rigorous training and are eager to demonstrate their skills on the international stage.
Ahead of their departure, AIPA hosted a special flag-off ceremony on July 11, 2025, to honour the team. The event was graced by notable personalities, including Chief Guest Pravin Amre, a former Indian cricketer; Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers; Sunil Valavalkar, who is credited with introducing pickleball to India in 2007; and Mandira Bedi, AIPA’s Pickleball Brand Ambassador. The ceremony aimed to fill the young athletes with pride and motivation, offering them wishes and encouragement.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed profound confidence in the junior players, stating, “Their selection and participation in this championship reflect AIPA’s growing focus on building a strong talent pipeline and putting India on the global pickleball map.” Sunil Valavalkar, AIPA Founder and Senior Vice President, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that “the future of Indian pickleball lies in its youth”. AIPA’s commitment to developing the sport is evident through its year-round training camps, scouting programs, and support for young players, which have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for Indian pickleball. This championship serves not only as a test of skill but also as a crucial opportunity for India’s rising stars to shine globally, highlighting the remarkable progress the sport has made in the country in a short span.