Pickleball Set for Major Boost in Singapore with More New Courts by 2026

Pickleball Courts in Singapore Expanding Rapidly

Pickleball players in Singapore can look forward to the opening of 8 new courts by early 2026. The expansion reflects the sport’s surging popularity and a growing commitment from both public and private partners to develop the pickleball ecosystem.

Eight new dual-use pickleball courts will open at the Singapore Sports Hub from January 2026 under a new programme led by OCBC Group, which includes OCBC Bank, Bank of Singapore and Great Eastern - in partnership with Kallang Alive Sport Management (KASM), the operator of the Sports Hub.

Source : DP Architects - Singapore Sports Hub

Dual-Use Pickleball and Multi-Sport Courts at Singapore Sports Hub

The initiative, launched on October 25 at OCBC Square, will convert existing sports facilities into shared-use courts. Two junior tennis courts at the Kallang Tennis Hub and three basketball courts at the National Stadium Promenade will be modified so they can be used for both pickleball and their original sports. To ensure smooth access, specific time slots will be scheduled for each sport.

OCBC Group chief executive Helen Wong said pickleball’s rapid rise comes from how easy and enjoyable it is to play.

This is not OCBC’s first involvement in sports, having previously supported events such as the OCBC Cycle and the Great Eastern Women’s Run.

Sport Singapore to Add Eight More Pickleball Courts in Little India

The Sports Hub expansion comes just one day after Sport Singapore (SportSG) announced it will build another eight dedicated pickleball courts at the retrofitted Little India bus terminal. These courts are expected to be ready by early 2026, bringing the total number of new public pickleball courts to 16.

Pickleball Participation in Singapore Continues to Surge

Pickleball’s growth in Singapore has been remarkable. According to SportSG, there are now more than 5,000 active players, and bookings at 30 public courts have more than tripled since 2023.

Beyond court access, the OCBC-KASM programme will also introduce leagues, activities and a series of tournaments, culminating in one of the largest pickleball events in the region. The flagship tournament, scheduled for the third quarter of 2026, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants.

Competitive Pickleball Scene in Singapore Gains Momentum

Competitive player and coach Richie Ong said Singapore’s tournament scene has expanded dramatically. When he started playing in 2022, there were only about three tournaments a year. Today, there is nearly one every month, with many players also travelling to Malaysia for weekly competitions.

Building a Stronger Pickleball Ecosystem for the Future

Ong believes the new initiatives will strengthen Singapore’s competitive scene and attract younger players. KASM chief executive Quek Swee Kuan echoed this sentiment, describing pickleball as an inclusive and accessible sport that aligns well with the organisation’s community goals.

“The addition of pickleball reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of players and the community,” he said. “We are pleased to work with OCBC Group and other partners to grow the sport and build a stronger pickleball ecosystem in Singapore.”

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