Pickleball’s Global Growth in Asia: Pickleball is growing fast in Asia, and a new study shows just how big the sport is becoming. The United Pickleball Association Asia and YouGov Singapore shared research this week across 12 Asian territories. They found that nearly 1.9 billion people have heard of pickleball, and around 282 million play every month. With support from large populations and a love for racket sports, countries like India, China, and Vietnam are leading the growth. This boom is also boosting hopes that pickleball could become an Olympic sport.
Rapid Growth Across Asia
The study included China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. At least 1,000 people in each country answered the survey, and results were adjusted by population size. Kimberly Koh, managing director of United Pickleball Association Asia, said,
“We have witnessed the rapid rise of pickleball in the United States in recent years and have every reason to believe that the explosion of growth in Asia could be just as huge, if not bigger.”-(Kimberly Koh)
Pickleball is especially popular in countries where racket sports are already loved.
“With over 4.8 billion people in Asia, where there is a strong history in racket sports, pickleball is well-positioned to reach new players and fans. We are at a key inflection point in the history of our sport. UPA Asia, through our PPA Tour Asia starting in July, and Major League Pickleball Asia in 2026, will showcase the sport at the highest level across Asia, providing platforms for stars to display their skills and engage new audiences.”-(Kimberly Koh)
What Makes Pickleball Popular
Pickleball is a fun sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s played on a small court with paddles and a plastic ball. The court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. The low net and easy rules make the game simple to learn. Many people say the game is fun and easier on the body than other sports. It’s great for beginners, older players, and those recovering from injuries.
People love that the game is social and exciting. In the study, 35% of people said fun was their reason for playing. About 33% said it was good for health, and 31% liked that it was easy to learn. Nearly 29% started playing because of friends or family, and 27% wanted to meet new people. Around 28% had played other racket sports first but found pickleball more enjoyable.
Big Numbers from the Survey
The numbers in the study show how quickly the sport is growing. More than 812 million people have tried it at least once. Monthly players total around 282 million. About 62% of the people said they only learned about the sport in the past two years. Overall growth across the 12 countries is 60% higher than the previous year.
Vietnam had the biggest jump in awareness, up 152% from last year. Malaysia was next at 132%. In Vietnam, 88% of people said they know about the sport, and 37% have played it. India stands out with the most monthly players at over 178 million. China has over 60 million, and Vietnam has more than 16 million regular players.
Easy and Safe to Play
Part of pickleball’s success is how simple and safe it is. Games are short and fast, usually played to 11 points. Doubles games are less tiring, which is good for older players. Smaller courts and light gear help reduce injuries. Proper court care also keeps games safe and smooth.
The sport’s backstory is just as fun. Pickleball was invented in 1965 by U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard and friends. They made it to entertain their kids. The name comes from the “pickle boat,” which was the slowest in a race. By 1968, Pickle Ball Inc. was formed, and the first tournament happened in 1976. Now it’s played around the world, with championships in many countries.
Pickleball’s Rise in the United Kingdom
The popularity of pickleball isn’t just in Asia. The United Kingdom is seeing more interest too. Pickleball England, the group in charge of the sport there, said its membership grew by 65% in one year. Now about 35,000 people play across the country.
Karen Mitchell, co-founder and chair of Pickleball England, said,
“Anyone who picks up a paddle and has a play knows the joy, that inner child just comes out playing this game. I can’t describe it any better than that, inner joy is what this game promotes.”-(Karen Mitchel)
Right now, most UK players are over 50 years old. But efforts are growing to bring in younger people. Celebrity fans like Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and the Kardashian family have also helped make the sport more popular.
What’s Next for Pickleball
Pickleball is quickly becoming a global game. Its simple rules, fun nature, and strong community make it attractive to many people. As more countries support the sport with tournaments and teams, the chances of it becoming an Olympic sport are getting stronger. With its growing fan base and strong numbers in Asia and the UK, pickleball’s future looks bright.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Global Growth in Asia
A study by United Pickleball Association Asia and YouGov Singapore shows pickleball is growing fast in Asia. With over 282 million monthly players across 12 countries, the sport is booming. Vietnam, India, and China lead in growth. Pickleball is also gaining fans in the UK and may soon reach the Olympics.
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