Asian Pickleball Association and Asia Federation of Pickleball dual-sanctioning largest pro pickleball circuit in Asia

Jointly announced by APP and AFP

CHICAGO, USA / PENANG, MALAYSIA (June 25, 2026) — The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the sport’s leading global authority, has announced today that its APP Asia Tour circuit has become the world’s first to be officially dual-sanctioned by the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP).

As two of the leading governing bodies for the sport in Asia, the APA and AFP will elevate standards for the APP Asia Tour across rules and regulations, event branding and more. With this important designation, the APP Asia Tour becomes the only officially sanctioned pro circuit on the continent.

"Our partnerships with the APA and AFP are incredibly meaningful, and crucial for enhancing the APP Asia Tour's reputation as the largest unified pro pickleball circuit in Asia," said Yui See Lau, SVP of Global Expansion for the APP. "By aligning our efforts, we are creating greater opportunities for athletes, supporting national federations, and building a stronger, more connected pickleball ecosystem across Asia. We commend the leadership of the APA and AFP for their collaborative approach and look forward to working closely together to deliver a vibrant and flourishing APP Asia Tour in 2026 and beyond."

"The APA is proud to support the dual sanctioning of the APP Asia Tour alongside the AFP, a landmark achievement that represents a new chapter in the evolution of pickleball across Asia," said Aditya Khanna, Secretary General of the Asian Pickleball Association. "This collaboration demonstrates our collective commitment to expanding opportunities for players, establishing world-class competitive pathways, and driving the sustainable growth of the sport across the continent. It is a massive accomplishment, and by working together, we are building a stronger and more unified ecosystem that will benefit athletes, organizers, and the entire pickleball community throughout the region."

"The joint effort between AFP and APA in supporting the APP Asia Tour marks a significant milestone for pickleball in Asia," said Jimmy Tan, CEO of the Asia Federation of Pickleball. "This partnership demonstrates our collective commitment to fostering unity within the sport and advancing a shared vision aligned with the values of the Olympic Movement. Through collaboration, we can expand opportunities for athletes, enhance governance standards, strengthen our continental sporting community, and further position pickleball for long-term

growth."

Established with a vision to advance pickleball across the continent, the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) serves as the official Continental Federation of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the international governing body representing more than 70 national federations worldwide. Working closely with its 15+ Member Nations in Asia and a diverse Board representing 10 countries, the APA is committed to promoting inclusivity, expanding participation, developing athletes, and strengthening governance throughout the region. Through a unified pathway connecting national, continental, and international competition, the APA is building a sustainable ecosystem for the sport. Its mission is to elevate pickleball across Asia while advancing its inclusion in major multi-sport events, including the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), Asian Games, and ultimately the Olympic Games.

Founded in 2020, the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) is the non-profit continental governing body dedicated to growing and developing pickleball across Asia. Representing more than 20 Affiliate and Associate Member Organizations, AFP works to advance the sport's recognition within the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the broader Olympic Movement while fostering collaboration among national federations, athletes, event organizers, and commercial partners to support the sustainable growth of pickleball throughout the region.

More information on APP Asia Tour events is available via TheAPP.asia.