Everything Happening in Pickleball Right Now (Asia Edition)

The Southeast Asian pickleball scene is moving at a breakneck pace. From world-class professionals making their international debuts in our backyard to creative urban infrastructure solutions, the region is quickly becoming the heartbeat of the global "pickle-boom."

Here's what's happening in the Asian pickleball scene right now. 

1. Singapore to Join the Big Leagues: PPA Asia 500 Confirmed for July 2026

Singapore’s status as a sporting hub gets another feather in its cap. The Republic has been confirmed as a key stop on the 2026 PPA Tour Asia. The PPA Asia 500 Singapore Open will take place from July 23–26, 2026, featuring a US$70,000 prize.

Pros are not only fighting for the cash prize but also for points. As part of a standardized global ranking system implemented by the United Pickleball Association (UPA) Asia, local players like Ryan Ng will finally get the chance to earn world ranking points on home soil.

2. Anna Leigh Waters to Make International Debut in Hanoi

In what is perhaps the biggest news for the region’s "pro-watchers," the undisputed Queen of Pickleball, Anna Leigh Waters, has chosen Vietnam for her first-ever competitive appearance outside the United States.

The world No. 1 will headline the PPA Asia 1000 - MB Hanoi Cup in April 2026. She’ll be joined by fellow legend Ben Johns and a roster of international heavyweights. With a massive US$300,000 prize pool, this is set to be one of the largest PPA Tour Asia events in history.

3. Pathways for Emerging Talent: PPA Asia 125 "PickleSlam" (Singapore)

Before the major 500 and 1000 series events, Singapore will host the first-ever PPA Asia 125 tournament: PickleSlam 2026. Taking place from April 11–19, 2026, at Jurong Playgrounds, this event serves as a critical "Challenger" pathway.

Due to the "Elite Player Participation Limit", the Top 20 PPA players are restricted from competing to give way to local and regional rising stars. With a US10,000 prize pool, winners of the PPA Asia 125 will also secure free entry into the Singapore Open (PPA 500) in July.

4. World Amateur Spotlight: EPIC World Championship 2026

Marking a historic milestone for amateur players, the EPIC World Championship will debut at the Kallang Tennis Hub in Singapore from April 30 to May 3, 2026.

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, this event features an "escalating" prize purse that starts at US$50,000 and grows with every registration. It is expected to be the largest professional-grade experience ever offered to amateur players in Asia. This event is specifically designed for the global amateur community, using the DUPR system to ensure fair competition across all skill levels.

5. India’s AIPA Players Dominate WPC Asia Pickleball Open

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) continues to prove that India is a regional powerhouse. At the recently concluded WPC Asia Pickleball Open 2026 in Bangkok, Indian athletes secured an impressive haul of 2 gold and 1 silver medals. The victory underscores the rapid development of the sport across the subcontinent and its competitive edge in the Asian circuit.

6. BukSU Alumna Hizen Novi Melendez Reaps Double Gold

Representing the Philippines with pride, Bukidnon State University (BukSU) alumna Hizen Novi Melendez delivered a masterclass in Bangkok. Melendez bagged two gold medals at the WPC Asia Pickleball Open: one in Women’s Doubles 4.5 (19+) with partner Honey Gilles, and another in Women’s Singles 3.5 (19+). Her performance is a testament to the rising skill level emerging from the Philippines' collegiate and alumni networks.

7. Urban Innovation: 8 Sheltered Courts Open at Little India Bus Terminal

Singapore is getting creative with space. From March 16, 2026, the Little India Bus Terminal officially transformed into a dual-use facility featuring eight sheltered pickleball courts.

Operated by ActiveSG, this retrofitted space solves two major pain points for local players: Singapore’s heat and the lack of court availability. The facility operates for sports from Monday to Saturday and reverts to a bus terminal on Sundays to serve the community. It serves as a "smart" model we hope to see more of across the region.

8. Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase Heads to Vietnam and Malaysia

The Asia Pickleball Showcase 2 has been announced for 2026, with high-profile stops confirmed in Vietnam and Malaysia. Following the success of the 2025 showcase featuring Parris Todd and Hayden Patriquin, this year's tour will bring more elite clinics and pro-exhibition matches to cities like Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Upcoming Events: 2026 PPA Tour Asia Calendar

For those planning their travel and training, the PPA Tour Asia has officially locked in ten stops for the 2026 season. The "Chasing the Dragon" medal set can only be completed by attending multiple tiers of these events.

A Landmark Year for the Region

With the 2026 calendar expanding to include 10 stops across Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and China, culminating in the massive US$1.1 million Hong Kong Slam, Southeast Asia is no longer just a "growing market." We are officially a destination.

Stay tuned to thePickleBase.com for live updates, gear reviews, and more from the SEA pickleball circuit.