The Rise of Pickleball in China: A Blend of Fun and Fitness
Pickleball's Growing Popularity in China
The swift growth of pickleball in China is fueled not only by increased participation and infrastructure but also by its emerging significance as a means for enhancing physical and mental health. This was particularly evident during a recent two-day event in Beijing, part of the 2026 Joola Pickleball Titans Tour, which featured tennis icons Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf alongside world No. 1 Ben Johns. The event combined exhibition matches with grassroots activities.
Chinese tennis player Wang Qiang expressed her enjoyment of the sport, stating, “It was very fun, very enjoyable and easy to pick up.” Agassi, who has taken on the role of a global ambassador for pickleball, emphasized the sport's impact beyond mere competition. He shared, “What got us into it was us playing together as a family. Everybody was enjoying it. We loved that.”
He further explained that the sport's charm lies in its mix of familiarity and challenge. “What kept us motivated was the fact that some things translated very easily for us, and other things were very challenging. And we had to unlearn many things from tennis,” he noted. Agassi highlighted that pickleball offers both a physical outlet and a mental challenge, making it a rewarding experience from the very first day.
He also pointed out the significance of participation in shaping the future of the sport. “I wanted to double down on the participation side of pickleball, because it's still in its infancy,” he remarked. Agassi expressed his desire to contribute to the sport's growth, believing it greatly enhances people's lives, both physically and mentally, while fostering community.
Identifying China as a crucial market for growth, he stated, “All the ingredients are right for this part of the world. You've got space, you've got land, you've got weather and you've got facilities. You have a population where, if you can get the paddle into young children's hands, you're gonna start seeing a lot of them break through on a world stage.”
World No. 1 Ben Johns shared similar views on the sport's universal appeal, saying, “I feel like pickleball is something that we both seem very enthusiastic about. And one of the reasons I love pickleball is that it has something for everyone in every country, and everyone seems to enjoy it.” He also mentioned that traditional pathways into the sport might change, suggesting that learning pickleball from a young age may not be strictly necessary.
Beyond the exhibition matches, the initiative extended to Peking University, where there are efforts to incorporate pickleball into campus life through courses and competitions. Liu Maohui, deputy director of the university’s Department of Physical Education, noted the sport's increasing popularity among students. “Some students have told me they want to learn pickleball because they are going to the United States for exchange programs, and it helps them integrate into local life,” he said.
The Beijing program illustrated a comprehensive strategy for growth, merging elite visibility, grassroots involvement, and institutional support, with mental health, community engagement, and accessibility emerging as pivotal factors in pickleball's ascent in China.