Canadian Pickleball Chief Eyes Olympic Entry Amid Expansion

Canadian Pickleball Chief Eyes Olympic Entry: Pickleball, the rapidly growing racquet sport, has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the PWR World Series, and the PWR World Tour in Dubai. These developments signify the sport’s expanding global footprint and increasing popularity. Yui See Lau, co-founder of the Canadian National Pickleball League, shared his insights on the sport’s evolution, particularly in Canada, and the expected impact of these new initiatives. As pickleball continues to attract younger demographics and gains recognition worldwide, discussions about its potential Olympic inclusion are also gaining momentum, although Lau believes it might still be a decade away.

Growth of Pickleball in Canada

Yui See Lau was present at the launch of the PWR World Series in Dubai, where he discussed the rapid growth of pickleball in Canada. While the sport initially attracted an older demographic, professional leagues have begun to entice younger players.

“We are seeing some amazing growth of pickleball in Canada right now. The age group is still geared very much towards the older demographic but with the professional leagues coming in, younger people are also taking note of the sport. We are happy to see pickleball spreading like wildfire and with these platforms, we are giving our pros an opportunity to be in the limelight before they get to the US, where it gets much more challenging.” – (See Lau)

Impact of the PWR World Series

Lau emphasized the transformative potential of the PWR World Series for pickleball’s entertainment value. This shift aims to elevate pickleball from a participant-driven activity to a spectator sport with widespread appeal.

“It will change the world of pickleball. Till now, the sport has been very participatory but with the introduction of this series, the entertainment value of pickleball will surely increase. The game will not change much but the audience and the spectator participation is going to increase by leaps and bounds, thanks to the series.” – (See Lau)

Potential Rule Changes

Acknowledging pickleball’s relatively recent rise in professional sports, Lau anticipated ongoing modifications to the sport’s rules as it evolves globally. These adaptations are crucial as pickleball solidifies its place on the international stage.

“Despite being around since 1965, there have been a lot of changes in terms of equipment and rules over all these decades. For a sport like pickleball that is very new, we will see changes in terms of formats, rules and regulations and I hope they will be made for the betterment of the sport.” – (See Lau)

Olympic Aspirations

While optimistic, Lau remains realistic about pickleball’s path to the Olympics.

“Pickleball will one day definitely get into Olympics. It has grown so much in such less time that the International Olympic Committee will soon have to recognise it as something that is coming into the mainstream. It is slowly getting into the flow but it is surely going to take some time.” – (See Lau)

Lau highlighted the need for a global organizational structure and widespread participation before the sport can be considered for Olympic inclusion.

“Honestly, we are still a decade off, and during that duration, there needs to be continental cups, the sport needs to get into schools. And that needs to happen not just in the USA or Canada but around the world. Once it starts having an organisational structure, it can be submitted to the IOC for consideration for the Olympics.” – (See Lau)

The launch of the Pickleball World Rankings, the PWR World Series, and the PWR World Tour by Pickleball League Asia Private Limited, in association with The Times Group, marks a significant milestone for pickleball. Held in Dubai on July 24, this event signifies the sport’s accelerating growth and its potential to captivate audiences worldwide. As pickleball continues to evolve, figures like Yui See Lau play a pivotal role in steering its future toward greater recognition and success.