Pickleball Boom in the Asia Olympics: Zane Navratil, a well-known pickleball player, was shocked after hearing new numbers showing the massive growth of pickleball in Asia. Seymour Rifkind, the founder of the World Pickleball Federation, revealed that Asia now has around 187 million frequent pickleball players. This big jump in players is making the sport a strong candidate to join the Olympic Games soon.
Seymour Rifkind shared these facts during a podcast with Zane Navratil. He explained how the sport’s global structure affects its Olympic hopes. The International Olympic Committee requires each sport to have one main international federation. For years, there were multiple groups trying to lead pickleball: the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) and the International Pickleball Federation (IPF).
Seymour Rifkind said, “I never thought that this would happen,” referring to WPF and IPF finally merging. He explained, “The International Olympic Committee…needs to have an international federation that represents your sport.”
Why Merging Matters
Seymour Rifkind shared that having more than one federation was hurting pickleball’s Olympic chances. He said, “There was a time where there were three international federations. Three international federations is a joke.” He explained that the IOC likes pickleball and believes it meets their standards, but the sport must show it can work together under one group.
He said the merger talks began in 2018 and continued off and on until late last year when both sides formed a team to plan the merger. The new group will hold elections in August to pick a board that will follow Olympic rules.

Concerns About Tennis Takeover
One issue Seymour Rifkind warned about was tennis organizations trying to control pickleball. He said, “Tennis…sees the amount of money that is coming into pickleball…They’re not happy about it.” He mentioned the International Tennis Federation may vote to bring pickleball under its control. But he believes the IOC would rather see pickleball led by pickleball people.
He said, “The IOC…has demonstrated that it needs to be run by pickleball people, not have a potential conflict of interest, which obviously tennis would have.”
Olympic Timeline
Zane Navratil asked when pickleball could join the Olympics. Seymour Rifkind said, “There is still a possibility that we could get into 2028…if we want you in, you’re in.” But he put the chance at only about 10%. He added that 2032, in Brisbane, Australia, is more likely, saying, “I would say it’s 50%.”
He explained that even if everyone agrees, the sport must finish work on drug testing, line calls, and paddle checks. But he believes these things can be fixed fast. “Those things can be corrected very quickly,” he said.
Asia’s Huge Growth
The most surprising part was the huge growth in Asia. Seymour Rifkind said, “178 million people are playing pickleball in Asia alone…China alone has 60 million.” He added that India has the most players overall, and Vietnam is growing the fastest.
Seymour Rifkind said this growth is important because the IOC earns money from broadcasting rights and sponsorships. With Asia leading the growth, more companies there are investing in the sport.
He concluded by saying that the fast rise of pickleball in Asia could help speed up its Olympic dreams if leaders can stay united.
News in Brief: Pickleball Boom in the Asia Olympics
Seymour Rifkind told Zane Navratil that 187 million people play pickleball in Asia, making the sport likely to join the Olympics. A merger between key federations aims to solve past problems. The first Olympic chance could come in 2028, but 2032 is more realistic.
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