Pickleball fever is officially taking over Singapore. OCBC Group has joined forces with the Singapore Sports Hub to roll out a first-of-its-kind pickleball programme that will lead up to one of Southeast Asia’s largest pickleball tournaments at the National Stadium in 2026.
This major partnership, uniting OCBC Bank, Bank of Singapore, Great Eastern, and Kallang Alive Sport Management, will introduce eight brand-new outdoor pickleball courts at the Singapore Sports Hub. These courts will open to the public in January 2026, giving Singaporeans more opportunities to join the fastest-growing sport in the world.
A Pickleball Revolution at the Sports Hub
To meet the growing demand for court space, OCBC and the Sports Hub are converting several existing facilities to support pickleball. Two junior tennis courts at the Kallang Tennis Hub and three basketball courts at the Promenade at National Stadium will become dual-use spaces that can host both their original sports and pickleball at designated hours.
This expansion will add more than 20,000 hours of pickleball play each year, aligning with Singapore Sports Hub’s mission to make sports accessible for everyone. Court bookings will start from only S$5 per session, encouraging new players and families to get involved.
One of Southeast Asia’s Largest Pickleball Tournaments
The highlight of this initiative will be the massive regional pickleball tournament set for the third quarter of 2026 at the National Stadium. More than 2,000 players are expected to compete across 20 purpose-built courts in one of the most anticipated sports events of the year.
Leading up to the main tournament, over 500 players will take part in a series of friendly matches and competitions beginning in early 2026. Bank of Singapore will also host an exclusive corporate challenge, where clients and business leaders will compete for the title of corporate pickleball champions.
Why Pickleball is Taking Off
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, making it easy to learn and enjoyable for players of all ages. The sport has exploded in popularity worldwide, and Singapore is no exception.
OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong shared her excitement for the partnership, saying,
“We are excited to bring pickleball to even more people in Singapore as One OCBC Group. This partnership lets us make the sport more accessible while promoting both fitness and fun at the Sports Hub.”
This initiative builds on OCBC’s long-standing support of local sports through events such as OCBC Cycle and the Great Eastern Women’s Run.
A New Era for Everyday Athletes
Singapore Sports Hub CEO Quek Swee Kuan described the programme as a major step forward in promoting active lifestyles and community wellness. By adding pickleball to its roster of offerings, the Sports Hub continues to evolve as a destination for both casual players and competitive athletes.
From early morning rallies to evening games under the lights, the new courts will create a vibrant hub for pickleball enthusiasts across all skill levels.
When You Can Join the Action
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January 2026: New outdoor pickleball courts open to the public
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Early 2026: Competitive series begins
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Q3 2026: Major pickleball tournament at the National Stadium
Interested players can register for upcoming activities through the Singapore Sports Hub website.
