Pickleball is one step closer to the Olympics —— IPF and WPF announce merger

Pickleball, a sport that combines the characteristics of tennis, badminton and table tennis, combines the unique advantages of fast movement, flexible reaction and small-field competition, and has rapidly become popular around the world in recent years.

Recently, the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) officially announced their merger. The new organization will operate under the name of the World Pickleball Federation (WPF), while incorporating the core concept of IPF - "leaving no country behind". In order to better convey this mission, WPF will ensure that all countries and regions can equally participate in the development of pickleball through a variety of support programs. In this new partnership, both parties will enjoy equal decision-making power and jointly promote the international development of pickleball.

The main goal of this merger is to unify the global pickleball community, enhance the international influence of the sport, and accelerate its global promotion. Through resource sharing, unified event arrangements, and standardized rules, this merger will lay a solid foundation for the popularization of pickleball. The newly established WPF also invited the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and other relevant management organizations to discuss further integration and cooperation to promote the long-term development of pickleball. It is worth noting that the GPF was established in 2023 and is committed to promoting the transition of pickleball from amateur level to professionalism through honest and purposeful initiatives, and ultimately obtaining recognition from the International Olympic Committee to make it an official event of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Previously, the biggest obstacle for pickleball to join the Olympic Games was the lack of a global organization. The International Olympic Committee has said that it welcomes pickleball to apply to join the Olympics at any time, as long as it meets the basic conditions, and even 2028 is possible.

Pickleball is also showing significant growth in China. At present, a large number of pickleball clubs have been established across the country, and the number of participants has increased rapidly, attracting sports enthusiasts of all ages. In September 2023, the World Pickleball Federation Global Development Committee China Region was officially launched, marking the official entry of pickleball into China and the beginning of comprehensive promotion in China. In addition, the liaison office established by the International Pickleball Federation in China has further consolidated the foundation for the sustainable development of this sport in China.

These measures fully demonstrate that Pickleball is taking a solid step towards its goal of becoming an official Olympic event. With the acceleration of global promotion activities and the integration of various organizations, the influence of pickleball on the international sports stage is steadily increasing. This increase in influence is partly due to the successful hosting of various international competitions and the wonderful performances of athletes from various countries in international competitions. The active participation and promotion of various countries have brought pickleball closer and closer to its goal of entering the Olympic Hall.