Samsun Championship Showcases Rapid Growth of Pickleball in Turkiye

The Samsun Pickleball Championship has become a significant event, attracting 720 athletes and showcasing the sport's rapid growth in Turkiye. With competitions held across various categories, the event highlights the increasing popularity of pickleball, particularly among older adults seeking new recreational activities. Key figures in the sport emphasize their commitment to long-term development, including plans for a national federation. As pickleball continues to expand, it offers a unique social experience akin to tennis, making it appealing to a diverse audience.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 22:36 IST

Samsun Championship Highlights Pickleball's Popularity

The Samsun Pickleball Championship has attracted 720 competitors across five different categories, underscoring the sport's swift growth in Turkiye. The event took place at the Ilkadim Archery Facilities, featuring matches on 16 courts simultaneously. Participants engaged in various formats including men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles, with divisions categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Feyzullah Dereci, the Provincial Director of Youth and Sports in Samsun, noted the sport's consistent development. He remarked, “Pickleball has been functioning as a sub-branch of the Tennis Federation for the past two years. We are committed to advancing this sport together.”

Semih Uzer, president of the Pickleball Samsun Association, emphasized the significance of the event. “We have organized a competition of world championship standards,” he stated. “Currently, we have 670 athletes participating, with matches taking place on 16 courts. In Samsun, we have approximately 1800-2000 athletes involved.”

Uzer also mentioned the long-term vision for the sport, saying, “Our aim is to establish a federation for pickleball and to train national athletes from our country.”

Brian Humphrey, vice-president of the Turkey Point Pickleball, highlighted the sport's recent surge in popularity. “We launched our club a year and a half ago,” he shared. “Currently, we have 100 members and anticipate doubling our membership each year as the sport continues to expand.”

Humphrey noted that post-COVID, many individuals are seeking new activities after a period of isolation. “We have many older adults and seniors eager to learn how to play, which is quite significant,” he added. “There are not many recreational sports that one can start, learn, and improve at an older age.”

As a relatively new sport, pickleball shares a strong social component similar to tennis, making it appealing to a wide range of participants.