Singapore is set to stage one of its most ambitious pickleball events yet, with the inaugural OCBC–Great Eastern Pickleball Open to be held later this year. Slated to run from 23 to 25 October 2026 at the OCBC Arena within Kallang Sports Hub, the three-day competition is expected to attract close to 1,600 players—firmly positioning it among the largest tournaments in Southeast Asia.
Originally earmarked for the larger National Stadium, organisers ultimately opted for the indoor OCBC Arena, prioritising player comfort and match conditions in a cooler, controlled environment.
The tournament structure reflects the sport’s broadening appeal. Two primary divisions—Novice and Open—will accommodate both newcomers and seasoned competitors. The Novice bracket is designed for players with less than two years of experience and no prior podium finishes, while the Open category targets more established participants with competitive credentials. All matches will be played in doubles format, with flexible pairings across men’s, women’s, and mixed teams.
Beyond the main draw, corporate engagement is also being brought into the fold. The Bank of Singapore, OCBC’s private banking arm, will organise two corporate segments: a public-facing corporate challenge and a separate, invitation-only championship.
In the lead-up to the October showcase, groundwork is already underway to build depth within the local player base. The Kallang Group will roll out 24 beginner workshops over the coming months, hosted at newly adapted dual-use courts near the National Stadium. Each session, capped at 36 მონაწილators, will be led by certified coaches and structured to introduce fundamentals while sharpening essential techniques.
The initiative signals more than just a tournament—it reflects a coordinated push to develop the sport from the grassroots level through to competitive play. With registrations for the main event opening on 27 July 2026 and workshop sign-ups already underway, Singapore’s pickleball calendar is quickly gathering momentum.
