News & Stories
Apr 10, 2025
Pickleball, a dynamic fusion of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is rapidly gaining traction worldwide, and China is no exception. Though still in its early stages in the country, efforts to establish it as a mainstream sport are accelerating. Leading this charge is Seymour Rifkind, founder and president of both the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF).
Shenzhen: A Strategic Hub for Pickleball’s Growth
Rifkind, a veteran in the global pickleball community, has visited Shenzhen six times since 2017. He describes the city as a rapidly evolving metropolis with immense potential for pickleball. “I am always envisioning pickleball and its future in a city like Shenzhen. Clearly, I think it’s still in its infancy, but it will continue to expand rapidly,” he shared.
His enthusiasm for the sport’s expansion in China is reflected in his plans to establish a world-class pickleball academy. This facility, featuring 40 indoor courts and dormitories for 200 athletes and coaches, would serve as a center for player development and high-level training. Rifkind is also exploring franchise opportunities for multi-court facilities in major cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macao, and Hong Kong. He underscores the need for collaboration between government entities and the private sector, stating, “We are eager to offer our expertise to contribute to the global growth of pickleball.”
(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-03/04/content_31479191.htm)
Pickleball’s Rising Popularity and Olympic Aspirations
Rifkind has played a crucial role in boosting pickleball’s global visibility, particularly through its inclusion in major sporting events. He spearheaded the sport’s showcase at the World Maccabi Games in Israel and the Asian Games in China in 2023. These high-profile events brought pickleball to a massive audience, with nearly 5 million people tuning in within the first half-hour of its televised broadcast in China—making it the largest single event in the sport’s history.
His long-term vision includes pickleball’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, potentially as early as 2028. “I can’t say it will definitely happen, but I can tell you that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) likes pickleball very much,” Rifkind revealed. Given China’s dominance in racket sports, he believes the country is well-positioned to win the first Olympic medals in pickleball. “Over the past five or six Olympics, more than 50% of badminton and table tennis Olympic medals went to China. I am confident that when we do get into the Olympic Games, China has a chance to win the first medals.”
(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-03/04/content_31479191.htm)
IPTPA’s Expansion into China
A significant milestone in China’s pickleball development is the launch of IPTPA’s headquarters in Longhua District, Shenzhen. The organization aims to introduce a top-tier coach certification system to professionalize the sport and expand its reach nationwide.
“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 emphasized during the announcement. Representatives from Australia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China’s Hong Kong and Taiwan also shared insights into their respective pickleball landscapes, reinforcing the sport’s rising prominence in Asia.
Building a Strong Coaching Foundation
As the world’s leading coach certification body, IPTPA has trained top players across 65 countries. Rifkind stresses the importance of qualified instructors, stating, “Once you have facilities, member countries tell us that the most important thing then is that they have qualified teachers. We are very concerned about the safety of our sport. We provide quality instruction focusing on safety first.”
His background in athletics, including coaching Olympic gymnasts, has shaped his philosophy on sports education. “A good coach is a good coach, regardless of the sport. If you always put your students first and you work hard—keep up with the changes that the sport undergoes while still maintaining the qualities of great teaching—you will be successful,” he affirmed.
(Photo Source: https://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2025-03/04/content_31479191.htm)
China’s Expanding Pickleball Community
Pickleball’s accessibility and inclusive nature make it appealing to a broad demographic. Unlike some sports that lose players as they age, pickleball offers lifelong participation. “Some of the other sports that attract young people, once they age, they outgrow the sport. But people can play pickleball well into their 80s,” Rifkind highlighted.
While still in its early stages in China, the sport is gaining traction in cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where clubs and facilities are emerging to meet rising demand. One notable development is the opening of Ramsports’ pickleball stadium in Longhua District, a 3,500-square-meter facility designed to meet international standards.
The momentum behind pickleball’s growth in China mirrors the sport’s global rise. As efforts to expand infrastructure, coaching, and competition opportunities intensify, China is poised to become a key player in the international pickleball scene. With visionary leadership and a dedicated community, the future of pickleball in China is undeniably bright.
