Rangsit: The first day of the Thailand Pickleball tournament witnessed a significant push towards international recognition, with key figures such as 'Big Kong,' 'Big A,' and 'Thaya' playing pivotal roles in its success.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thailand Pickleball Championship 2026 Presented by BRAGG is being held at Pickleball Warehouse in Rangsit, Pathum Thani Province from May 1-2, 2026, with a wheelchair competition scheduled for May 3, 2026, at the Benjakitti Sports Center. The official opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), alongside Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikrom, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and advisor to the Pickleball Association, and Thaya Teepsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmani emphasized that pickleball is a new sport recently recognized under the Sports Authority of Thailand Act, highlighting the efforts of the association in organizing both international and national activities, including tournaments for people with disabilities. He stated the SAT's commitment to promoting sports for all and its goal to develop pickleball to international excellence. For pickleball to be officially established as a national sports association, it must be included in the National Youth Games and National Games and become a member of the International Pickleball Federation, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikrom noted pickleball's rising global popularity and its suitability for all age groups. She praised the organizing committee for maintaining high standards and expressed hope for more tournaments across provincial areas to expand the athlete base. She echoed the governor's sentiments on establishing pickleball as a national sport and expressed confidence that with dedication, Thai athletes could achieve world-class status.
Thaya Teepsuwan stated that the sport has grown rapidly in Thailand, with a 40% increase in players last year. The association's mission is to organize competitions to develop athletes who can represent Thailand internationally. She mentioned that Thai athletes had recently competed in China and won awards.
The 2026 Thailand Pickleball Championship features Intermediate and Open categories for men and women, as well as mixed doubles, divided into four age groups with over 120,000 baht in prize money.
On the first day, the Mixed Doubles, 19+ Intermediate category winners were Arachan Hora and Thichaporn Chanaratnubol, while the Mixed Doubles 19+ Open category saw Worawut Klinruen and Arisara Suttichindawong take first place. In the Mixed Doubles 50+ Open category, Ekarin Booninth and Kamonthip Dechasakulmas emerged as the winners.