Smash It at The Kallang: Inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open Set for October 2026

Pickleball fever is officially sweeping through Singapore! The OCBC Group has announced the launch of the inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 October 2026.

SINGAPORE, 6 April 2026 - Set to be one of the largest pickleball tournaments in Southeast Asia, the event expects to draw nearly 1,600 participants to the OCBC Arena. Whether you are a seasoned "pro" or a complete novice looking to pick up a paddle for the first time, this festival of sport offers something for everyone.

A Tournament for All: Novice to Open Categories

The OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open is designed with inclusivity at its core. All matches will follow a doubles format, allowing for any gender combination—male pairs, female pairs, or mixed doubles.

The competition is split into two primary public categories:

• Novice Category: Perfect for those with less than 24 months of playing experience who have yet to podium in a tournament.

• Open Category: Recommended for experienced players looking to test their skills against the best in the region.

Adding a professional touch to the proceedings, the Bank of Singapore will also host two corporate categories, including a public-registration Corporate Challenge and an exclusive, invite-only Championship.

"Pickleball is an inclusive sport that can bring the community together," says Daryl Yeo, Chief Operating Officer of The Kallang Group. "We are creating shared spaces and experiences that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to stay active and feel alive through play."

Master the Game: 24 Learn-to-Play Workshops

Don't know your "dink" from your "kitchen"? No problem. In the lead-up to the main event, The Kallang Group is organizing the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Series—a massive rollout of 24 learn-to-play workshops.

These two-hour sessions will be held in April, May, August, and September at the newly opened courts along the Great Eastern Promenade at the National Stadium.

What to expect at the workshops:

• Professional Guidance: Led by certified coaches covering rules and fundamental techniques.

• Structured Learning: Segments include an introduction, skills practice, and social games.

• Affordability: A cost-effective alternative to private coaching, designed specifically for beginners.

• Priority Access: Workshop participants get a "fast track" to register for the October tournament! 88 spots will be reserved for workshop attendees from 24 to 26 July, ahead of the public launch.

Why OCBC Arena?

Singapore’s tropical heat can be intense, which is why the choice of OCBC Arena is a game-changer. The tournament will be held in fully air-conditioned halls, ensuring that players can maintain high performance and comfort throughout the three-day competition.

Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Brand and Communications at OCBC, highlighted the vision behind the event: "This gives the growing community of pickleball enthusiasts many opportunities to learn the sport, hone their dinks, and smash it out competitively in a supportive environment."

Key Dates & Registration Details

Mark your calendars! If you want to be part of one of Southeast Asia's biggest pickleball milestones, here is what you need to know:

Event	Date / Period
Learn-to-Play Workshops	April, May, August & September 2026
Workshop Attendee Pre-Registration	24 – 26 July 2026
Public Registration Opens	27 July 2026
OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open	23 – 25 October 2026

How to sign up:

• For Workshops: Visit www.thekallang.com.sg/events to secure your spot today.

• For the Tournament: Keep an eye on www.ocbcgreateasternpickleball.com and follow @ocbcgepickleball on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.

Whether you're there to win the gold or just to enjoy the social buzz of the fastest-growing sport in the world, the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open is the place to be this October. Grab your paddle and we'll see you at The Kallang! #TheKallang #OCBCGEPickleball