Bangkok:The Pickleball Thailand Grand Open 2026, presented by Happy Mate, commenced at CentralWorld Pulse on the 7th floor of the CentralWorld Shopping Mall. The event, held from October 9-11, featured a host of celebrities, including Mam-Kathleeya McIntosh, and brought together pickleball players from various countries for a display of skill and competition.
According to Thai News Agency, the opening ceremony was led by Mr. Chalitrat Chandrubeksa, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and Mrs. Thaya Teepsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association. The tournament aimed to promote the sport in the city center and attracted over 500 athletes from different countries, competing in more than 600 matches under the international rules of the WPC. Nations such as Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia participated in this significant event, contributing to a total of 646 events.
The competition was also marked by the participation of well-known personalities. Celebrity couple Pek-Premnat and New-Napassorn played together for the first time, cheered on by their son "Nong Space." Other participants included Peggy Sritanya, Jane Jenjinda, and Mam-Kathleeya McIntosh, who teamed up with Thaya Teepsuwan for her second international competition. The event was further enlivened by the participation of Kru Auan-Maninuch Semersut.
Mam-Kathleeya McIntosh, a committee member for the Pickleball Association, expressed her aspirations for the sport, noting the desire to strengthen the association and promote Thai athletes on the global stage. She emphasized the potential for pickleball to be included in major international sporting events like the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics. McIntosh highlighted the dual benefits of pickleball as both a physical workout and a means to foster friendships.
The association's primary goal, as McIntosh stated, is to provide opportunities for talented young individuals from remote areas to compete internationally for Thailand. She expressed satisfaction with the tournament's growth from humble beginnings and the collective determination to continue promoting the sport.