Javier Regalado Ignites Olympic Dreams: Javier Regalado, President of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), officially announced that the GPF has started the process to gain Olympic recognition. The news came during the World Pickleball Conference in Florida in June 2025. The application has been submitted and fees have been paid, marking a historic milestone for the sport.
Javier Regalado confirmed that the goal of the GPF is now turning into action. With this announcement, pickleball has taken its first formal step toward possibly becoming an Olympic sport in the future.
A New Era for Pickleball
Javier Regalado opened his speech with a powerful message.
“I’m honored to begin today not with a plan, but with a milestone. Because today, I can proudly announce that the Global Pickleball Federation has officially begun the Olympic recognition process. The application has been submitted. The fees have been paid. The journey is no longer an idea—it is a reality. We are taking pickleball from backyards and gyms…to the doorstep of the Olympic Games. Let that sink in. For the first time in the history of our sport, pickleball is now moving forward on a formal pathway to join the Olympic family.”
He explained that this achievement came through teamwork and shared purpose.
“This moment didn’t happen by accident. It came through vision. Through unity and hard work. Through a growing consensus that if we want to go far—we must go together.”
The Importance of Rules and Structure
Javier Regalado highlighted the need for strong leadership and clear rules in a growing sport like pickleball.
“But progress demands more than passion. It demands governance. As our sport grows, so does the responsibility we carry—The responsibility to protect the rules. To protect our athletes. To build a sport worthy of global respect. Governance is not about control. It’s about clarity. It’s the shield that protects the sport’s integrity—and the bridge that invites investment, credibility, and opportunity. It’s about creating an international rule of law for our beloved sport. That’s why we created the Global Pickleball Federation.”
How the GPF Was Born
Javier Regalado shared how the GPF began.
“The GPF was born out of necessity—a response to a fragmented ecosystem, where each region worked tirelessly, but too often in isolation. So a group of us from around the world—representing national federations, big and small—came together with one goal: To build a strong international federation that would serve the entire pickleball community—players, coaches, referees, non-profits, for-profits, and passionate volunteers alike.”
He added that the goal was to unite efforts under one global vision.
“A federation that respected national autonomy, but united us under shared standards, ethics, and vision. From that idea, the GPF was founded—a non-profit, independent, and inclusive governing body dedicated to the global development of pickleball. Today, we proudly represent 67 member federations, spanning every continent, and we will close 2025 with just under 100.”
GPF’s Five Core Commitments
The GPF follows five key values. Javier Regalado listed them as:
“One: Integrity of the game—through fair rules, anti-doping compliance, and ethical standards. Two: Equity and access—ensuring all regions, especially emerging ones, have a seat at the table. Three: Competition pathways—supporting referees, coaches, and athletes across borders. Four: Neutrality and fairness—so every player and stakeholder compete under the same rules. And five: A direct roadmap to Olympic recognition.”
He explained the reason behind these values.
“These five commitments are designed to create one essential thing: Certainty. And I emphasize that word—Certainty—because above all, I come from business. I understand how important certainty is for investors. Now, leading the GPF, I can assure you: We take our governance role seriously. We will work hard to bring every stakeholder into compliance, and we will actively oppose any monopolies that threaten fairness in our sport.”
From Planning to Progress
The GPF is already delivering tools and support to its members.
“In just a short time, the GPF has moved quickly from planning, to implementation, to delivering real tools and support to our country members. We have launched a Strategic Plan—Active8—available on our website, outlining exactly how we will achieve our goals.”
He shared a list of resources now available.
“And here’s what we’ve already delivered: A standardized rulebook for our members. A coaching endorsement program that raises the bar for training and certification. A library of written guides designed to help federations grow the sport in their countries.”
Upcoming projects were also mentioned.
“Coming next: A referee training and certification system. An equipment grant program to help open more courts around the world.”
A Four-Year Olympic Plan
The GPF is looking ahead with clear goals for Olympic approval.
“And now, with this Olympic application, we move from aspiration to action. Over the next four years, we will: Finalize the recognition process. Expand to over 90 active federations: Launch merit-based World and Continental Championships under GPF governance. Complete full compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency Code. And deliver a world-class dossier for final review by the International Olympic Committee.”
He explained that the effort is for the athletes, not just for attention.
“We do this not for recognition—but for the players.”
The Heart of the Sport
Javier Regalado closed with a touching story.
“Let me bring you back—to a small concrete court in Mexico. A few months ago, I met a young girl named Aline. She was playing pickleball on chalk-lined pavement with a handmade paddle—and a smile brighter than any trophy I’ve ever seen. I asked her what she loved most about the game. She said, ‘It makes everyone equal. It’s the one place we all get the same chance.’”
This, he said, is the true mission of the GPF.
“And that is our mission: Not just to make pickleball bigger—but to make it accessible, fair, and unifying.”
He ended his speech with a call for unity.
“So today, from this global stage, I call on all of us: Let’s build a sport with structure. Let’s build it with empathy. Let’s build it with the future in mind. The door to the Olympics and the future is open. Now it’s time to step through it—together. Thank you.”
News in Brief: Javier Regalado Ignites Olympic Dreams
Javier Regalado, President of the Global Pickleball Federation, announced at the June 2025 World Pickleball Conference that the GPF has submitted its Olympic recognition application. With 67 member federations and a four-year roadmap, the GPF aims to make pickleball a global and Olympic sport, focusing on fairness, access, and unity.
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