Asia Pickleball Junior Open Inspires Next Generation After Successful Staging
The Asia Pickleball Junior Open 2025 was a spectacular celebration of youth pickleball across Asia. Hosted in the beautiful Quang Nam Province in Vietnam, this year’s event saw phenomenal growth and participation.
Unprecedented Growth
The tournament welcomed 246 junior athletes, a tremendous leap from just 80 participants in 2024. This surge reflects the rising popularity of pickleball among young players and the successful development efforts by federations and coaches across the region.
Tournament Highlights
Over three exciting days, the courts came alive with energy and passion as players competed in 16 categories, battling through an impressive total of 874 matches. It was a true festival of talent, sportsmanship, and international friendship.
Countries Represented in the Asia Junior Pickleball Open
This year, players from 10 countries showcased their skills at the Asia Junior Pickleball Open:
- China
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- India
- Malaysia
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Korea
- Chinese Taipei
- Vietnam (host)
Top Performers at the Asia Pickleball Junior Open
Teams from Vietnam and Japan stood out as the dominant forces, clinching multiple medals and inspiring all with their exceptional technique, discipline, and determination. Their success reflects the robust youth development programs thriving in both nations.
Family and Community Support
A key pillar of the Asia Pickleball Junior Open’s success was the strong support from families and local associations. Parents travelled with their children, offering encouragement from the sidelines, while national associations appointed coaches to guide and mentor the young athletes. The atmosphere was electric with team spirit and love.
Star Sightings at the Asia Pickleball Junior Open
The excitement didn’t stop there. The tournament was also treated to appearances by several PPA stars, fresh from the PPA Asia Malaysia Open, adding inspiration and star power to an already remarkable event.
Moments to Remember
From powerful serves to emotional wins, every day brought stories of perseverance, sportsmanship, and friendship. The bonds formed and experiences shared are what make pickleball more than just a sport—it’s a community.
Looking Ahead
The Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) remains deeply committed to nurturing young talent and creating more opportunities for the next generation of champions to rise.
What’s Next?
In 2026, AFP is excited to roll out several key initiatives to further strengthen its Junior Development Program:
- Identifying and empowering junior coaches across Asia.
- Launching AFP-endorsed junior camps and training series.
- Introducing the AFP Junior Ranking System to recognise and track competitive performance across the region.
These programs will pave the way for more structured growth, talent discovery, and competitive play at both national and international levels.
Stay tuned—more details will be announced soon!
