The First-Ever Asia Pickleball Summit: Building the Future of Pickleball On and Off the Court

Pickleball is no longer just a trending sport—it’s becoming a movement. And this July, that movement took a major leap forward with the launch of the first-ever Asia Pickleball Summit, proudly organised by ReSkills, in collaboration with AFA and Asia Pickleball TV.

Held in One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, this groundbreaking event gathered 29 renowned speakers from around the world, including industry pioneers, brand founders, professional players, coaches, and league organisers. It wasn’t just about paddles and courts—it was about people, purpose, and the bigger picture of where pickleball in Asia is headed.

Global Icons Take the Stage

The speaker lineup was nothing short of iconic. We welcomed:

Alongside them were passionate voices shaping the future of pickleball—from startup brand owners to grassroots community builders, from rising pro players to visionary league organisers. Their shared goal? To create synergy and strengthen the pickleball ecosystem across Asia and beyond.

Growing the Game—Beyond the Court

While skills and drills still matter, the summit emphasized something even bigger: pickleball’s off-court potential.

From building clubs to forming associations, from sports tech to tournament operations, we dove deep into how the business and community side of pickleball is just as important as gameplay. Because to grow the sport sustainably, everyone—players, coaches, clubs, and even government bodies—must work in harmony.

As Mr. Jin Tan, Founder of ReSkills and President of ReSkills Pickleball Club, powerfully stated:

“If a player wants to go higher and further, they can’t just keep practicing on the court. Off-court growth—mental strength, discipline, teamwork—is just as important. We need to empower the whole ecosystem.”

A Strong Signal from Government Leaders

The summit also gained strong support from national leaders. YB Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Minister of Youth & Sports, addressed the audience with a clear message:

“Pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a trend that promotes health, opens up new job opportunities, and attracts investment. But most importantly, we must stop fighting each other. If we want pickleball to thrive in Malaysia, we must collaborate.”

Meanwhile, YB Dr. Kelvin Yii, Political Secretary for the Ministry of Human Resources, shared his personal journey—from trying pickleball a few months ago to becoming a full-on enthusiast. He even started a club to introduce the game to others in the ministry!

“This sport is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and addictive. Now is the time to unite all state associations under a common goal and move forward together.”

Unity is the Way Forward

The Asia Pickleball Summit wasn’t just a conference—it was a call to action. A reminder that this sport is growing fast, and the only way to manage that growth is through unity, shared knowledge, and inclusive leadership.

As we move ahead, let this summit be the spark for more collaboration, more innovation, and more love for the game. Whether you’re an industry player, a curious beginner, or a lifelong competitor, now is the time to step up, reach out, and be part of something bigger.

Because pickleball isn’t just played on the court—it’s built by everyone who believes in it.