Collin Johns Leads Pickleball Coaching Initiative Across Asia

Collin Johns, a prominent pickleball player, has transitioned from competition to coaching, leading a significant initiative across Asia as part of the Pickleball Tour 2026. This program aims to enhance coaching standards and player development in countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond. With a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement, the tour promises to shape the future of pickleball in the region. As the initiative progresses, it highlights the sport's potential for Olympic inclusion and the commitment of local coaches and players. Discover how this ambitious project is set to transform the landscape of pickleball in Asia.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 28, 2026, 14:42 IST

Collin Johns Takes on New Role in Asia

After clinching the men’s doubles title at the PPA Kuala Lumpur Open, esteemed pickleball athlete Collin Johns has shifted his focus to nurturing future coaches and players throughout Asia. As the Global Technical Director and Head Coach of RacketPro Asia-Pacific, Johns is leading a significant coaching and development initiative as part of the Pickleball Tour 2026. Following its successful leg in Malaysia, the tour is set to continue to Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore.

This initiative is organized by RacketPro Organization (RPO), a globally recognized body for coach education, known for its leading certification systems in international pickleball. The Asia-Pacific edition encompasses Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, aiming to enhance coaching standards, player development, and sustainable community growth in the region. RPO has indicated that this is one of its largest development projects in Asia-Pacific to date.

The Malaysian segment, which took place from May 14 to May 24, included locations such as Setia Alam, Penang, Sarawak, and Sabah, culminating in the Kuala Lumpur MEGA RPO Level 1 Workshop, marking a first for the region. Over the course of two weeks, the tour integrated coach certification, technical education, career development, and community engagement, attracting significant participation from local coaches and players.

Connor Nguyen, managing director of RPO APAC, expressed that the response and facilities in Malaysia surpassed their expectations. He remarked, “It has been an amazing tour for us. The facilities we encountered were top-notch, and the commitment we observed was remarkable. I believe Vietnam and Malaysia are leading the way in the region regarding the sport's following and development.”

Looking Ahead

Both Johns and Nguyen emphasized the promising future of pickleball, particularly its potential inclusion in the Olympics. Nguyen noted that the sport's leadership is actively pursuing this goal, with development programs across Asia bolstering the case for pickleball's global expansion.

Central to the tour is RPO’s COEBRA Intensity Program, which promotes an “Alpha Agile” mindset. This program is designed to equip coaches with not only technical skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and long-term planning capabilities essential for sustainable growth of the sport in their respective countries. As part of this initiative, RPO will host a four-week COEBRA training program in Vietnam, uniting coaches from various nations for advanced training.

The Kuala Lumpur MEGA Workshop also featured an Alumni Gathering aimed at fostering ongoing engagement within the coaching community beyond mere certification.

The educator panel for the tour includes RPO COEBRA coach and clinician Aron Ong, who specializes in competitive player development and efficient coaching systems. Nguyen himself has a rich background in sports development, having founded Vietnam’s first professional basketball team, the Saigon Heat, and later establishing the Vietnam Basketball Association.

The APAC tour is set to proceed to Vietnam in June, covering Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, before moving on to Tokyo and Osaka in July. Singapore is also slated to host events later that month.