Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

SEASON 2 of the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia Finals came to a close Sunday in Shenzhen’s Longhua District, wrapping up three days of intense competition.

Twenty-eight teams from seven countries — China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, and Thailand — battled for the title.

Team Zhuhai claimed the championship, followed by Team Shenyang and Pickleyard Somo from the Philippines.

“It’s a great honor to participate,” said Miao Yaxuan of Team Shenyang. “Competing with top players from so many countries is an invaluable experience.”

The finals attracted leading figures from the global pickleball and sports sectors, including PCL founder Steve Kuhn, Ramsports Group president Alex Yuen, and Li Xiaoning of Li Ning Group.

Speaking courtside, Kuhn praised the rapid improvement of Asian players’ abilities. “The gap between American players and Asian players is shrinking every day,” he said.

The game’s participation has quickly increased, according to Kuhn, a signal of its growing commercial potential. “We now have more teams compared with the first season, including 14 from across China.”

Kuhn also confirmed that PCL plans to stage three seasons a year. He highlighted Shenzhen’s suitability as a pickleball hub. “Every time I come here, I hear about a new facility being built. This city is wonderful, and the level of facilities is improving every day.”

Representing the Li Ning brand, Li Xiaoning — son of company founder Li Ning — reaffirmed the group’s long-term support for pickleball’s development in China.

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, including in China. As a China-based company, we will absolutely support its development — especially here in Shenzhen,” he said.

He also endorsed the idea of creating a pickleball league for international students in Shenzhen. “I think it’s a fantastic idea. Pickleball is expanding fast in the U.S., the U.K., and across Europe. Bringing such a league to Shenzhen would be great, and if it happens, Li Ning Co. Ltd. will certainly be there as a lead sponsor.”

Competitors shared their impressions of the fast-growing sport in China.

Former Indonesian tennis player Desy Ratnasari said, “I’ve only played pickleball for two years, and I’m amazed by how quickly it has developed in China. This is my first time reaching the semifinals. I never gave up — I fought for my team.”