Pickleball Becomes Smash Hit in Singapore and Beyond

In the dynamic fitness landscape, pickleball – a sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements – has become a favorite among the younger generation in Asia, shedding its image as a sport for seniors. For 27-year-old Jeremy Soh and his fiancée Jeovanne Poernomo, pickleball started as a sport for their parents but quickly became their passion. They began traveling to play in competitions across Asia and even established their own pickleball academy, Performance Pickleball, in Singapore. Their facility offers lessons for all ages and has seen a growing interest from companies looking to engage their staff in the sport.

Pickleball’s accessibility and social nature have contributed to its rapid growth. It is particularly popular for its hand-eye coordination challenge without being as physically demanding as tennis. The sport, which has roots in the United States, has seen a significant increase in players across Singapore, with over 2,000 currently active. The younger generation, inspired by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Roger Federer, has embraced the sport, leading to a vibrant and expanding pickleball community in the region.

The growth of pickleball is not limited to Singapore. In Vietnam, the sport has gained momentum, becoming the hot summer sport of the year. India plans to launch a professional pickleball league with a substantial investment, and China has seen a rise in popularity thanks to influencers on social media. The sport’s ease of learning and multigenerational appeal make it a unique and enduring addition to the world of racquet sports.