Pickleball on the Rise: Reflections from the 2025 Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area Team Tournament (2025 奥港澳大湾区团体赛)

“Every time I step onto the court, whether as a player or a coach, I remind myself that the real victory lies in how much we learn, how much we grow, and how much respect we show to the game and each other.” – Darren Ho, Co-Founder, PKQ International Group

This past week, I had the profound honour of representing the Yangshan Team at the 2025 Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area Team Tournament. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with the competitive spirit of talented athletes, each one pushing themselves to the limit. As our team fought valiantly, we secured a commendable third place after a series of intense matches that tested our mettle and resilience.

Rising Standards of Pickleball in China

One of the most remarkable takeaways from this tournament was witnessing the rapidly rising standards of pickleball in China. Players are training harder, competing smarter, and showcasing a depth of strategy that reflects how far the sport has grown in such a short time. The gap between international and local play continues to narrow, which is an exciting signal for the future of the sport here.

Sportsmanship at the Forefront

Even amidst the intensity of competition, what stood out most was the sportsmanship displayed by all teams. Players encouraged one another, rallied the crowd with their energy, and treated opponents with respect. Victories were celebrated with humility, and defeats were embraced as opportunities to learn and grow. It was a reminder that Pickleball is not only about winning but also about building a shared culture of respect and camaraderie.

Lessons for PCP and Beyond

For me personally, every tournament is also a chance to reflect on and evolve the PCP coaching philosophy. Competing alongside strong athletes reinforces the importance of adaptability, mental toughness, and continuous learning—values that we emphasise when training the next generation of players and coaches. These experiences shape how PCP develops its curriculum, ensuring that our coaches remain connected to real-world competition at the highest levels.

A Personal Reflection

As I look back on this event, I’m filled with pride for my team and gratitude for the opportunity to compete. Most importantly, I’m reminded why we do what we do—to grow the game, to push boundaries, and to inspire others.