Dink MiLP Launches in China: The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) has made its debut in China, marking a significant milestone for the sport. Led by Full Send Pickleball and Track Ops Media, in partnership with DUPR and The Dink, MiLP China is the first to categorize competitions by skill level rather than age group.
October 2024 saw the official launch in Zhuhai, featuring a press conference and an exhibition match. Canadian pickleball champion Ernesto Fajardo and Director of the People’s Livelihood Affairs Bureau Hengqin-Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone, Mr. Yujie Huang, participated to showcase Major League Pickleball (MLP)-style team play. This format is new to the Chinese pickleball community.
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A New Competitive Format for China
Before MiLP’s arrival, Chinese pickleball tournaments only separated players by age. MiLP introduces a new structure, using the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system to create divisions based on skill. The initiative quickly gained traction, with club and regional directors organizing over 30 events in major cities such as Tianjin, Shenzhen, Hengqin, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. These events, held under DUPR 12, 14, and 16 categories, culminated in a championship event on December 28-29 at the Simple Touch pickleball facility in Chongqing.
Technology Boosts Growth
A WeChat Mini-Program, DUPR Events, developed by Full Send Pickleball founder Yuki Chen, has played a key role in MiLP’s expansion. The program allows players to register for events in just three steps while automatically creating a DUPR account for new users. Players can also track their team and individual rankings, ratings, and match results. This platform is China’s first dedicated pickleball tournament management software, helping eliminate language barriers and boosting DUPR user registrations across the country.
The Future of MiLP in China
Despite launching late in 2024, MiLP China has already set the stage for rapid growth. In 2025, more than 300 MiLP events are expected to take place across 15 cities. The league’s success raises the question: will a Chinese MiLP team make an appearance at the National Championships? Only time will tell.
News in Brief: Dink MiLP Launches in China
The Dink Minor League Pickleball debuted in China, introducing skill-based competition. Led by Full Send Pickleball and Track Ops Media, MiLP China hosted over 30 events in major cities. A WeChat Mini-Program has boosted registrations, and over 300 events are expected in 2025, potentially leading to China’s first MiLP National Championship team.
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