News & Stories
May 2, 2025
Pickleball, the fast-paced sport that blends the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is making bold strides in Asia—this time with a major leap forward in China. In a groundbreaking move, the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) has officially launched its China headquarters in Longhua District, Shenzhen, ushering in a new chapter for the sport’s development across the country.
This milestone marks the arrival of the world’s leading pickleball coach certification system to China, setting the stage for the professionalization of the sport nationwide. With the backing of IPTPA, China is poised to cultivate not only a passionate pickleball community but also a pipeline of internationally certified coaches and competitive players.
Laying the Foundation for Pickleball’s Future in China
At the heart of this exciting development is Seymour Rifkind, IPTPA’s chairman and founder, who shared his ambitious vision for pickleball's growth in China during the launch event. “Pickleball builds community, builds family. It has the physical fitness, the mental fitness, and social fitness. My goal is to see pickleball in the Olympics,” Rifkind said.
Looking ahead, IPTPA’s plans extend beyond certification programs. The organization aims to establish a state-of-the-art pickleball academy in China, complete with 40 indoor professional courts. This facility will serve as both a training ground for elite talent and a hub for community engagement, giving players of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to thrive.
(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-03/03/content_31478071.htm)
Shenzhen: The Starting Point of a Pickleball Revolution
Shenzhen is quickly establishing itself as a leading city for pickleball’s rise in China. With its dynamic sports culture and growing network of players, it offers the ideal environment for IPTPA to kickstart its initiatives. Collaborating with local and national partners, IPTPA is set to bring large-scale events, educational programs, and professional training to the city and beyond.
Among the exciting upcoming projects are the "Asia IPTPA Coaches Cup" and "Asia IPTPA Coach Trainee Cup," which will create opportunities for coaches and trainees across Asia to compete, connect, and elevate their skills through IPTPA’s globally recognized certification framework.
Building a Community Beyond Borders
The press conference celebrating IPTPA’s China launch was a true international affair. Representatives from pickleball associations in Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, shared insights about the sport’s rapid growth in their regions. Their stories reflect a broader trend: pickleball is no longer just a North American phenomenon. It’s spreading swiftly across Asia, powered by a shared passion for play, community, and competition.
“Pickleball definitely will be the fastest-growing sport all over the world. Not just only in the U.S. or in Europe, also in Asia, especially in China,” shared Ceci Bao Thu from Vietnam’s pickleball community. “We just played it two years, but last year the sport got pumped up.”
(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-03/03/content_31478071.htm)
China’s Growing Love for Pickleball
While pickleball is still in its early stages in China, the enthusiasm is undeniable. In major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, new clubs and facilities are opening to meet growing demand. Meanwhile, industry leaders are investing in infrastructure, including Ramsports’ recent launch of its first pickleball stadium in Longhua District—a 3,500-square-meter facility built to international standards.
These developments signal that pickleball in China is shifting from a niche activity to a sport with real momentum, driven by global collaboration, professional training, and a welcoming community.
The Road Ahead: From China to the World Stage
As IPTPA plants roots in China, the potential for pickleball’s growth feels limitless. With a focus on education, certification, and competitive events, the sport is poised to connect people from across the country—and the world—through shared passion and play.
For China’s pickleball community, this is just the beginning. With visionary leadership, world-class facilities, and a global support network, the dream of seeing Chinese players on the world stage—and perhaps even pickleball in the Olympics—is one step closer to reality.
