Jack Wong’s Olympic Dream: Hong Kong tennis player Jack Wong Hong-kit has transitioned to pickleball, aiming for Olympic success in the sport. Wong, who became a professional pickleball player in 2024 after ten years in tennis, recently won the 2024 World Pickleball Championships in singles and doubles. His victory has fueled his goal of competing in the 2032 Olympic Games.
Wong’s Pickleball Journey
Wong, who once ranked among the world’s top 100 tennis players, switched to pickleball midway through 2024. During his brief training stint in the United States, Wong focused on refining his pickleball technique and strategy.
His time there prepared him for a successful career in the sport, which has seen a rise in popularity globally. In the past year, pickleball has gained significant traction, especially in the United States, and many former tennis stars, such as Jack Sock and Eugenie Bouchard, have made the same switch.
After just a few months in the sport, Wong won singles and men’s doubles at the 2024 World Pickleball Championships in Hong Kong, proving his skill and determination. He continues to push toward his goal of representing Hong Kong in the Olympic Games.
Pickleball Growing Across Asia
Pickleball, which combines elements of tennis and badminton, is quickly becoming popular in Asia. Countries like Vietnam, China, and India are seeing a sharp rise in players.
In Hong Kong, pickleball facilities are springing up, with several clubs and centers offering indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Wong’s own training base, the Go Park Sai Sha, offers high-quality pickleball courts that have helped improve his performance.
Wong believes pickleball’s growth could open the door for Asian players to thrive in the sport, especially given its skill-based nature. “In pickleball, you need more skills and agility, which suits us,” Wong said. This could give him an advantage over players from countries known for their power in sports like tennis.
The Olympic Dream
Wong has set his sights on qualifying for the 2032 Olympics in pickleball. He believes the sport’s less physical demands compared to tennis will help Asian athletes like himself succeed.
“My life has been more disciplined and I have even more motivation [since taking up pickleball], I really want to win more than I did in tennis … I have a different hunger and the sport suits my style.” – (wong)
Pickleball is not yet in the Olympics but is making a push for inclusion in 2032. With more players like Wong taking the sport seriously, the possibility of it becoming an Olympic event in the near future looks promising.
A Growing Pickleball Scene in Hong Kong
As pickleball grows, the Go Park Sai Sha complex is becoming a central hub for the sport. With outdoor pickleball courts and a focus on top-level facilities, Go Park is helping to foster the development of beginner and advanced players. Wong credits the park for enhancing his training.
“When I began playing last year, there were no proper pickleball courts in Hong Kong, I was practising in parks. I love practising here, the courts are perfect and they are going to attract more people to play and add to the growth of pickleball.” – (wong)
This type of pickleball facility could contribute to the sport’s continued rise in Hong Kong and across Asia.
What’s Next for Wong?
Wong’s future in pickleball looks bright as he continues to train for his Olympic dream. With the support of high-quality training venues like Go Park and growing opportunities in the sport, Wong is poised to make an impact on the global pickleball stage.
His journey from tennis to pickleball has already shown that he has the skill and drive to succeed in this new sport, and his goals may inspire more athletes to follow in his footsteps.
News in Brief: Jack Wong’s Olympic Dream
Jack Wong, former tennis player, has transitioned to pickleball, winning the 2024 World Pickleball Championships in singles and doubles. Wong is aiming for a spot in the 2032 Olympic Games. He trains at Go Park Sai Sha, Hong Kong’s new pickleball facility.
ALSO READ: Former Ohio Church Becomes Pickleball Facility Opens in 2025