Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, along with Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and Thaya Tipsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association, officially opened the "Thailand Pickleball Championship 2026."
“Big Kong,” Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, together with “Big Ae,” Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, and Thaya Tipsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association, launched the "Thailand Pickleball Championship 2026." People of all ages flocked to participate. Big Kong expressed readiness to support the sport's recognition by the Sports Association of Thailand and its rise to excellence soon, paving the way for inclusion in the National Youth Games and the National Games. He also expressed confidence that Thai athletes have the potential to compete at the global level.
The Thailand Pickleball Championship 2026, presented by BRAGG, took place at the Pickleball Warehouse in Rangsit, Pathum Thani Province, from 1-2 May 2026, with wheelchair competitions held on 3 May 2026 at the Benjakitti Sports Center.
On 1 May 2026, the championship’s official opening ceremony was held, attended by Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and advisor to the Pickleball Association, and Thaya Tipsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association, who jointly inaugurated the event.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, said that pickleball is a new sport recently officially recognized under the Sports Authority of Thailand Act after consultation with the National Olympic Committee of Thailand. Despite the short time since recognition, he commended the association for continuously organizing activities at both international and national levels, including events for people with disabilities. This aligns closely with the Sports Authority’s mission to promote sports participation at all levels. The next goal is for the Sports Authority to work with the association to develop pickleball to achieve international excellence. To have it recognized as an official sports association in Thailand, the sport must first be included in the National Youth Games and the National Games. Additionally, the association must become a member of the International Pickleball Federation, which itself must be recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He expressed confidence that the association can meet these requirements.
Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikorn, President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand and advisor to the Pickleball Association, said pickleball is a rising sport gaining global acceptance due to its fun, simplicity, and appeal across all ages. She praised the organizers for their impressive, high-standard event and hopes for more frequent competitions, ideally extending to various provinces to grow the athlete base. Regarding the sport’s recognition as an official sports association in Thailand, she agreed with the governor’s assessment that it is achievable soon, believing that dedicated Thai athletes can reach the global level.
Thaya Tipsuwan, President of the Pickleball Association, stated that pickleball has grown rapidly over the past 3-4 years. In Thailand, the number of players increased by over 40 percent last year. Because it is easy to play at any age and requires no advanced skills, the association aims to continually organize competitions to build a larger athlete pool. The ultimate mission is to develop national team players who can represent Thailand internationally and achieve success. Recently, they held national team selection events for competition in China, where the team won awards.
The Thailand Pickleball Championship 2026 featured athlete categories at Intermediate and Open levels for men, women, and mixed doubles, divided into four age groups: 19 and older, 35 and older, 50 and older, and 60 and older. The total prize money exceeded 120,000 baht.
On the first day’s highlights, in the mixed doubles Intermediate category for ages 19 and over, the champions were Arjan Hora and Thisaporn Chanaratnubon; runners-up were Noppisit Jarubenjalak and Patthira Phoprasit; third place went to Phuwan Sawatwanich and Pasutapha Thongmak.
In the mixed doubles Open category for ages 19 and over, champions were Worawut Klinruen and Arisara Suttijindawong; runners-up were Chayut Singkirat and Praeploy Mahanil; third place went to Patchapon Lertritthikornchai and Pemika Kunaviriyasiri. In the mixed doubles Open category for ages 50 and over, champions were Ekkrin Boonin and Kamonthip Dechasakulmas; runners-up were Monthon Witwaranukul and Thitaporn Khanonwet; third place went to Naphadon Rompho and Kamonporn Lertritthikornchai.