匹克球何以成潮流——专访广州市匹克球协会会长王庆民

Core Viewpoint - Pickleball is emerging as a popular sport in China, with Guangzhou being a leading city in its development, driven by the efforts of Wang Qingmin, the president of the Guangzhou Pickleball Association [1] Group 1: Development and Promotion - Wang Qingmin first encountered pickleball in Seattle in 2005 but only became passionate about it after trying it himself. He returned to Guangzhou in 2010 to promote the sport [2] - The Guangzhou Sports Bureau recognized the potential of pickleball in 2019, leading to the establishment of the Guangzhou Pickleball Association, which has since accelerated the sport's growth in the city [2] - The association has focused on promoting pickleball in schools, with significant participation from students. In 2021, a training program attracted 137 participants from 51 schools, far exceeding initial expectations [3] Group 2: Social Impact and Community Engagement - Pickleball serves as a social connector, fostering relationships among family members and colleagues, and bridging gaps across gender, profession, and age [2][3] - Community engagement initiatives have led to increased participation, with various creative competitions attracting more young professionals to the sport [4] Group 3: Innovations in Facilities - The establishment of unmanned, smart pickleball courts by Match Sports in 2024 allows users to manage bookings and access through a WeChat mini-program, significantly reducing operational costs [5] - This innovative approach has optimized the use of underutilized spaces, contributing to urban development projects [5] Group 4: Future Growth and Milestones - The Guangzhou Pickleball Association has achieved several milestones, including hosting the first international coaching training in 2018 and the first national pickleball competition in 2023 [6] - Wang Qingmin anticipates continued growth in the sport over the next five years, highlighting its appeal not just in skill but also in fostering harmony and inclusivity [6]