OCBC Group and The Kallang Launch Landmark Pickleball Programme in Singapore
- SportPlus News
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Expanding Pickleball in Singapore with New Courts, Mass Participation and a Regional-Scale Tournament
Singapore’s fastest-growing sport is about to reach a new milestone. OCBC Group has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with The Kallang to roll out a comprehensive pickleball programme that will culminate in one of Southeast Asia’s largest pickleball tournaments in 2026.
The initiative brings together OCBC Bank, Bank of Singapore, and Great Eastern, alongside Kallang Alive Sport Management, marking the first time the entire OCBC Group has jointly supported a single sport at this scale.
New Pickleball Courts at Singapore Sports Hub from 2026
As part of the partnership, eight new outdoor pickleball courts will be commissioned at The Kallang and opened for public use from January 2026. Two junior tennis courts at the Kallang Tennis Hub and three basketball courts at the Promenade at National Stadium will be converted into dual-use courts, allowing them to serve both pickleball and their original sports.
Scheduled play times will be introduced to ensure fair access for tennis, basketball, and pickleball players, while keeping bookings simple and affordable. With per-court bookings starting from S$5 during non-peak hours, the programme is expected to add over 20,000 hours of pickleball play annually.
This expansion aligns with The Kallang's mission to be a venue for everyday athletes, families, and friends to stay active while discovering new sports together.
Southeast Asia Pickleball Tournament at National Stadium
The highlight of the programme will be a landmark pickleball tournament hosted at the National Stadium in the third quarter of 2026. For the event, more than 20 pickleball courts will be specially installed inside the iconic stadium.
The three-day competition is expected to attract over 2,000 players, making it one of the largest pickleball tournaments in Southeast Asia. Leading up to the main event, a competitive series involving over 500 players will kick off in early 2026 to build momentum and community participation.
In addition, Bank of Singapore will host an exclusive, invite-only corporate pickleball challenge, where teams from leading corporates and private banking clients will compete for championship honours.
Supporting the Growth of Pickleball in Singapore
Pickleball’s rising popularity in Singapore is driven by its accessibility. Easy to learn and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the sport has seen rapid adoption among families, seniors, and young professionals alike.
By introducing dedicated pickleball courts at The Kallang and staging a large-scale tournament, the partnership aims to strengthen the local pickleball ecosystem—providing both grassroots participation opportunities and a high-profile competitive platform.
Public interest registrations for pickleball activities at The Kallang are now open, with further details on the tournament and lead-up series to be announced in Q1 2026.
Leadership Voices on the Pickleball Partnership
Speaking at the official announcement on 25 October 2025, Helen Wong, Group CEO of OCBC, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative:
“We are excited to bring pickleball to even more people in Singapore as One OCBC Group. For the first time, all our major entities are coming together to jointly support an increasingly popular sport that deserves to be more accessible.”
She also noted the strong alignment between OCBC Group and The Kallang, citing existing flagship events such as OCBC Cycle and the Great Eastern Women’s Run.
Quek Swee Kuan, CEO of Kallang Alive Sport Management, added that the introduction of pickleball reflects The Kallang's commitment to evolving with community needs and delivering inclusive sporting experiences.
Celebrity and Athlete Exhibition Matches
To mark the announcement, senior leaders including Jason Moo and Gregory Hingston joined the launch activities on OCBC Square. Popular Singapore personality Adrian Ang, widely known as “Xiaoming,” also took part in an exhibition match against Richie Ong, Singapore’s top-ranked male pickleball player.
A New Chapter for Pickleball in Singapore
With new courts, an accessible pricing model, community programmes, and a major international-scale tournament, the OCBC Group-The Kallang partnership represents a significant step forward for pickleball in Singapore.
As interest in the sport continues to surge, this initiative positions Singapore as a regional pickleball hub—offering opportunities for casual players, competitive athletes, and corporate teams alike, all within one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues. #Pickleball #TheKallang
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