Pickleball Is Dominating China and Canada: In a recent episode of The Future of Pickleball, Paul Olson sat down with Yui See Lau, the director of Minor League Pickleball in China and Canada. They discussed pickleball’s surging popularity in China and Canada, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for the sport’s growth. Key to its Olympic future, it emphasized the importance of international collaboration and a standardized rating system like DUPR.
Lau shared his journey into pickleball, which began unexpectedly when he was brought on as creative director for Tyrol, a company specializing in pickleball shoes.
His involvement in the sport deepened as he recognized the need to expand pickleball’s reach, especially in China. Lau’s efforts have included introducing Minor League Pickleball and a rating system to better organize players.
Pickleball’s Growth in China and Canada
Pickleball in China is growing rapidly, especially in the southern regions. Lau noted that while the sport initially attracted an older demographic, it is now drawing younger players, including former athletes from badminton and table tennis. The ease and fun of pickleball have made it an appealing option for people of all ages.
In Canada, Lau and his team launched the Canadian National Pickleball League, designed to mirror Major League Pickleball in the U.S. This initiative has helped bring more attention to pickleball, and Lau believes that increasing participation in China and Canada could help propel the sport to Olympic status.
Standardized Rating Systems: A Key to Expansion
A major challenge in expanding pickleball internationally has been the lack of a standardized rating system. In China, there was no system to categorize players by skill level until Lau’s team introduced DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). Lau explained,
“It didn’t have to be DUPR, but we saw it as the best available option to help organize the sport in China.” – (Yui See Lau)
This rating system allows players to measure their skills globally, creating more competitive and structured tournaments.
China’s Tennis Influence on Pickleball’s Growth
China has a strong tradition in sports like tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Lau explained that many athletes from these sports have transitioned to pickleball, finding it more enjoyable and accessible.
“You get hooked on it. and it’s a great way for families to stay active together.” – (Yui See Lau)
With the support of the Chinese Tennis Association, Lau’s team is working to further integrate pickleball into China’s sports culture.
Looking Toward the Olympics
Lau believes that the sport’s growth in both China and Canada will play a crucial role in its Olympic aspirations. He pointed out that the U.S. is already ahead in terms of pickleball infrastructure, but China’s involvement could change the global dynamic.
“If pickleball becomes an Olympic sport or universities start offering scholarships, it will spark a massive shift.” – (Yui See Lau).
The potential for pickleball to become an Olympic sport is real, but it will require continued growth, international collaboration, and the establishment of more organized systems like player ratings. With the backing of international entities and countries like China and Canada, pickleball could soon be recognized on the global stage.
News in Brief: Pickleball Is Dominating China and Canada
Paul Olson interviewed Yui See Lau, director of Minor League Pickleball in China and Canada, on The Future of Pickleball. Lau discussed the sport’s rapid growth, especially among younger players in China, and efforts to expand it in Canada. He emphasized the need for a standardized rating system like DUPR and international collaboration to push pickleball toward Olympic recognition. With support from major sports organizations, pickleball’s global rise could soon reach the Olympic stage.
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