Pickleball’s Olympic Aspirations: Three major organizations in pickleball—Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), and the Cabieses Foundation—have joined forces to advance the sport’s pursuit of Olympic recognition. This collaborative effort aims to establish unity and strategic direction within the global pickleball community, building on recent successes like the Pickleball World Cup and Pickleball Forum held in October in Lima, Peru.
A Turning Point: The 2024 Pickleball World Cup
The 2024 Pickleball World Cup marked a milestone in the sport’s global growth. Hosted at the National Sports Village in Lima, Peru, a venue that has also hosted the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and will host the 2027 Pan American Games, the tournament featured 32 delegations and over 500 athletes.
More than 2,000 spectators gathered to witness historic performances, resulting in Puerto Rico’s championship victory, with Peru taking second place and Chinese Taipei securing third.
Beyond the competition, the event served as a platform for world pickleball leaders to discuss their shared vision for the sport, focusing on its expansion and professionalization.
To game three we go! Goldin takes game two ✌️ pic.twitter.com/oll1D0Dyp2
— USA Pickleball (@USAPickleball) November 14, 2024
A Unified Strategy for Olympic Inclusion
During the Pickleball World Cup, representatives from all 32 delegations participated in the Global Pickleball Promoters Forum. Discussions centered on global governance, promoting pickleball as a professional discipline, and creating a roadmap for Olympic inclusion, starting with the 2027 Pan American Games.
This dialogue continued at the Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championship 2024 in Arizona, where stakeholders further advanced these goals. Hercilio Cabieses, director of the Pickleball World Cup and co-founder of the Cabieses Foundation, highlighted the community’s potential, stating,
“We now have a unique opportunity to leverage the power of our community and achieve a shared vision that will expand pickleball in a sustainable and impactful way.” – (Hercilio Cabieses)
Similarly, Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, emphasized the sport’s inclusivity:
“Pickleball’s inclusivity is the foundation of its rapid growth, bringing together players of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. It has become a global phenomenon, and we can harness its appeal to showcase its universal charm. By 2036, we want to see pickleball reach new heights on the Olympic stage.” – (Tito Machado)
Next Steps for the Global Pickleball Community
The alliance of PWR, DUPR, and the Cabieses Foundation is only the beginning. Together, these organizations are seeking additional partners to further pickleball’s growth. Their shared mission is clear: to unify the global pickleball community, establish professional standards, and achieve the ultimate goal of Olympic inclusion.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Olympic Aspirations
PWR, DUPR, and the Cabieses Foundation have joined forces to promote pickleball’s Olympic ambitions. Building on the 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, the alliance focuses on global governance, professionalization, and a roadmap for Olympic inclusion, starting with the 2027 Pan American Games.
Leaders like Hercilio Cabieses and Tito Machado emphasize the sport’s inclusivity and growth. Efforts continue with plans for collaboration and new partnerships to elevate pickleball to the Olympic stage by 2036.
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