Rising Popularity of Pickleball Among Youth in Türkiye

Pickleball is rapidly gaining traction among youth in Türkiye, with schools and local organizations introducing the sport to students. A recent tournament in Samsun showcased the enthusiasm of young players, highlighting the sport's accessibility and social nature. As interest grows, organizers aim to establish a lasting pickleball culture in the country, with more events planned to engage the younger generation. This article explores the rising popularity of pickleball and its impact on youth sports in Türkiye.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 20:31 IST

Pickleball Gains Traction in Türkiye

The sport of pickleball is witnessing a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly among younger demographics. Schools, universities, and local sports organizations are increasingly incorporating this dynamic game into their programs. Once considered a niche pastime, pickleball is now drawing significant interest from students and amateur athletes, thanks to its engaging nature and fast-paced action.

This trend was evident in Türkiye, where approximately 180 students took part in a pickleball tournament held during Youth Week celebrations in the Tekkeköy district of Samsun. The event took place at the Tekkeköy Bahattin Ekinci Sports Hall, featuring middle and high school students competing in this emerging racket sport. The tournament aimed to foster a sports culture among youth while introducing pickleball to newcomers.

Semih Üzer, the president of the Samsun Pickleball Association, noted a rapid increase in interest for the sport in the region. He stated, “Pickleball is actively played throughout our area, particularly in the 19 Mayis district. Our objective is to promote this sport across Türkiye.” Üzer mentioned that the Youth Week championship in Tekkeköy is part of a broader initiative to establish regular pickleball competitions in Samsun. Another championship is set to occur in the Canik district next week, with an additional tournament planned at Ondokuz Mayis University soon.

The event showcased how young players are embracing the sport, even if many were experiencing it for the first time. Eleventh-grade student Nejla Can Sipsak found pickleball enjoyable yet initially challenging. She remarked, “It was very nice and fun. It was a little difficult because it was our first time playing, but overall it’s a fun sport.” Another participant, Sude Naz Agirlar, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to play, stating, “It was a lot of fun. I was told it was similar to tennis, but I think it was even more enjoyable. It’s something I can see myself doing as a hobby.”

Local officials, including Tekkeköy District Governor Enver Hakan Zengince and District Youth and Sports Director Ilkay Aydin, attended the tournament. This event highlighted pickleball's ongoing expansion beyond its traditional strongholds in the United States and Europe, with more countries utilizing schools, youth programs, and local tournaments to introduce the sport to new audiences.

As global participation continues to grow, organizers in Türkiye believe that youth-focused events like the Samsun tournament could significantly contribute to establishing a long-term pickleball culture in the country and enhancing awareness of the sport among younger generations.