Asia’s Pickleball Surge: A Sport On The Brink Of Continental Stardom
The numbers are in—and they paint a vivid picture: Asia is primed to become the next global powerhouse in pickleball.
A comprehensive research study released this week by UPA Asia and YouGov Singapore confirms what many industry insiders have sensed for months: pickleball’s momentum across Asia is accelerating fast, and the appetite for the sport is only growing.
The study surveyed over 14,000 individuals across 12 key territories—including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. Each market was nationally representative, with data extrapolated to reflect actual population sizes.
And the headline results? Nothing short of staggering.
Over 1.9 billion people across Asia are aware of pickleball, with nearly 812 million having played the sport at least once.
Around 282 million people now play pickleball at least once a month, indicating strong player retention and enthusiasm.
The sport has grown at a remarkable 60% year-on-year rate, with 62% of respondents discovering pickleball in just the past two years.
Source: PPA Tour Australia
Southeast Asia Takes Center Stage
While the sport’s growth is impressive across all 12 territories, a few countries are clearly leading the charge. Vietnam and Malaysia in particular have emerged as rising stars.
In Vietnam, 88% of respondents are aware of pickleball, the highest across all territories surveyed. More strikingly, over 37% of the Vietnamese population has actually played the sport, highlighting both visibility and grassroots adoption.
India isn’t far behind, with more than 31% of its population having pickleball experience. And when it comes to frequent play, India tops the charts: over 178 million Indians play at least once a month—more than any other country.
China follows with over 60 million frequent players, and Vietnam holds third place with more than 16 million.
Malaysia’s growth trajectory is equally noteworthy. The country saw a 132% increase in pickleball awareness in 2024 compared to 2023, second only to Vietnam’s 152% surge.
A Turning Point For Pickleball In Asia
According to UPA Asia Managing Director Kimberly Koh, these numbers aren’t just encouraging—they mark a pivotal shift for the sport.
“We have witnessed the rapid rise of pickleball in the United States in recent years and have every reason to believe that the explosion of growth in Asia could be just as huge, if not bigger,” Koh said. “With over 4.8 billion people in Asia, where there is a strong history in racket sports, pickleball is well-positioned to reach new players and fans.”
UPA Asia isn’t waiting around. With the inaugural PPA Tour Asia launching this July and Major League Pickleball Asia slated for 2026, the organization is laying the groundwork for sustained and professional expansion.
The first PPA Tour Asia stop—the Panas Malaysia Open—takes place from July 3–6 in Kuala Lumpur, promising a high-energy kickoff to what could be a transformative season.
The Bigger Picture
What’s happening now isn’t just a flash of popularity—it’s a full-fledged movement. With Asia’s population size, its cultural affinity for racket sports, and the early data showing huge engagement, the region is poised to become the sport’s next great epicenter.
For global stakeholders, pickleball brands, and future athletes alike, Asia represents opportunity on a scale we’ve never seen before.
And if the latest research is any indication, this is just the beginning.
