By Yan Chang | Pixel Insight | Beijing, Oct. 26, 2025
The 2025 – 2026 (Also the first) Ma Yuehan Cup Pickleball Team Tournament kicked off yesterday at Tsinghua University, marking the sport’s growing presence on Chinese campuses. The games took place on courts 13 to 16 at the Zijing Tennis Center, which currently serves as Tsinghua’s shared pickleball venue.
Before the competition, two faculty members from the Department of Physical Education said that Tsinghua currently has around 16 pickleball courts, placing it among the most active universities nationwide in promoting the sport. They added that although most courts are still shared with tennis, plans are underway to build dedicated pickleball courts to meet rising student demand.
A Sport with a Simple Start and Global Reach
Invented in 1965 in Washington State, U.S., pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Its hallmark is accessibility — players can learn the basics in less than ten minutes, and the game requires smaller courts and lighter equipment than tennis.
Once a backyard hobby, pickleball has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing recreational sports. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation in the United States reached 19.8 million players in 2024, up 45.8% year-on-year.
Globally, pickleball has become a billion-dollar market. The Grand View Research (2024) report estimates the global pickleball apparel and equipment market was worth USD 1.98 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2030— a CAGR of around 15.1%.
Major sporting-goods manufacturers have begun expanding into pickleball product lines, and many tennis and badminton venues worldwide are being redesigned for dual use.
China’s Emerging Pickleball Scene
While pickleball was introduced to China around 2017 through international schools and sports clubs, its mainstream popularity has surged only in recent years. Public interest has grown as fitness influencers and community centers highlight its low barrier to entry and social nature.
According to AInvest (2025), China’s pickleball equipment market is projected to grow from USD 702.9 million in 2025 to USD 1.85 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.8%.
In a regional survey by UPA Asia and YouGov, more than 60 million people in China are estimated to have played pickleball at least once, showing a promising early-stage adoption curve across Asia.
China’s cultural media have also noted the sport’s urban popularity. As China Daily’s culture section reported in 2023, “Pickleball is making waves in China. Young people are growing especially fond of the game,” describing it as a mix of competition and social connection.
On Campus: Competition and Community
For Tsinghua, one of China’s leading universities, pickleball represents more than a fitness trend — it’s part of a shift toward inclusive, student-driven sports culture.
The Ma Yuehan Cup, named after the early 20th-century pioneer of Chinese physical education, has long symbolized Tsinghua’s athletic spirit. By including pickleball in its annual tournament, the event highlights how universities are adapting to new forms of recreation that balance competition with community.
After several rounds of fast-paced matches, the Department of Electronic Engineering captured the championship title in Group A, while a joint team from the School of Journalism and Communication and the School of Marxism claimed victory in Group B.
“I just started learning pickleball this semester,” said Jiang Yifan, a student from the School of Journalism and Communication, smiling as he packed his paddle after the match. “I’m not very skilled yet, but I really enjoy it. It’s easy to pick up, and there’s no high barrier for beginners. Plus, playing with friends is really satisfying.”
During the event, students, faculty, and alumni gathered courtside, cheering for their teams and taking photos under a bright autumn sky — a lively scene that reflected how pickleball is becoming a social connector on campus.
Looking Ahead
As pickleball continues its global surge — from Beijing to Seattle — it is clear that the game’s blend of simplicity, inclusivity, and friendly rivalry resonates across cultures.
Whether in university competitions or community centers, the small paddle sport is making a big impact. And at Tsinghua, where tradition meets innovation, the 2025–2026 Ma Yuehan Cup may mark not just a tournament, but the beginning of a new chapter in campus sports.
