The Asia Federation of Pickleball will be holding the Asia Pickleball Junior Open 2026 come July. This tournament will bring together young athletes from across the region when play begins at Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, from 28 to 30 July 2002. The high-level competition is designed to give juniors a competitive platform to test themselves, gain international experience, and accelerate their development in the sport.
An International Stage for Juniors
Registration opened on 10 April and closes on 20 July, with 78 players already signed up. The event features Singles and Doubles competitions across multiple age groups, ensuring opportunities for athletes as young as 10 to compete. Player eligibility is determined by age as of 31 July 2026, with juniors allowed to play up one category—for example, 12U athletes can compete in 14U.
The stakes are high. Top-performing medallists will earn invitations to the Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Texas, USA, offering a pathway for Asia’s juniors to showcase their talent on the global stage.
Asia Pickleball Junior Open schedule
Competition begins on 28 July with Boys’ and Girls’ Singles in the 12U and 16U divisions. Doubles action follows on 29 July, with Boys’ and Girls’ Doubles across 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. The final day, 30 July, will feature Boys’ and Girls’ Singles in the 14U and 18U divisions.
Registration costs USD $40 per event, per participant. To encourage players to challenge themselves in higher age divisions, the third and fourth event registrations are complimentary once the first two are paid. Players must email games@afpickleball.org to confirm entry into the free events.
More Than competition
While the tournament is fiercely competitive, it also promotes sportsmanship, friendship, and youth development—core elements of the Asia Federation of Pickleball’s mission to nurture the next generation of pickleball champions.
Mahidol University will serve as the venue, with free parking available for participants and spectators. The Asia Federation of Pickleball has issued a disclaimer of liability, reminding players to secure appropriate insurance coverage for personal safety and protection against potential risks.
Building the Future
The Asia Pickleball Junior Open 2026 is more than just a tournament. It is a stepping stone for juniors to measure themselves against peers, learn from international competition, and prepare for the demands of elite play. With the promise of global opportunities for top performers, the event underscores the Asia Federation of Pickleball’s commitment to developing pickleball’s future stars across Asia.
