Pickleball Breaks Barriers, Connects Cultures
By Ivan H.
Founder of EVERYDAY SOCIAL®
Earlier this month, our Hong Kong ambassadors had the honor of attending the Grand Opening of Yuppie Pickleball Club in Dongguan, China.
Nestled inside the beautiful Hillview Country Club, the new facility features six official courts, a full pro shop, a gym, and locker rooms—all surrounded by a lush resort landscape. And with high-speed rail connecting Hong Kong to Dongguan in just about 90 minutes, the trip was both easy and unforgettable.
What stood out most from this visit was not just the impressive facility, but the spirit of connection that unfolded on the courts. EVERYDAY SOCIAL®, born in Japan and rooted in the belief that sport can ignite community, was welcomed alongside American brands like Paddletek and Joola with incredible warmth and hospitality.
Our Hong Kong team played freely with local players, exchanged laughs, swapped shots, and—in true pickleball fashion—made friends instantly.
Below are a few reflections from the trip:
1. Pickleball’s Global Momentum Is Real
Although pickleball began in the United States and American brands have long dominated the landscape, the sport is expanding rapidly across the globe.
China, in particular, is experiencing a remarkable boom. Many major paddle manufacturers already operate there, but what’s even more impressive is the passion and grassroots excitement emerging among Chinese players of all ages.
2. China Is Becoming One of the World’s Most Dynamic Pickleball Markets
With strong local and national support promoting health and wellness, pickleball in China is growing at a speed few expected. Players coming from table tennis and badminton bring entirely new rhythms, footwork, and finesse to the game—styles not commonly seen in the U.S. This blend of athletic backgrounds is creating a fresh, evolving form of pickleball that is exciting to watch and even more exciting to play.
3. Pickleball Breaks Language and Cultural Barriers
On the court, words matter less. Smiles, rallies, and high-fives say everything.
At a recreational level—the level where most people fall in love with the sport—pickleball creates instant community. Players who don’t share a language can still share an unforgettable match. People from different backgrounds can compete, laugh, and build real friendships within minutes.
This is the essence of our motto at EVERYDAY SOCIAL®:
Pickleball breaks barriers. Pickleball connects cultures.
Competitive pickleball with prize money is a different world. But at its roots, pickleball was—and still is—a social game. A sport that welcomes everyone and levels the playing field.
4. Pickleball Tourism Is Rising—and It’s Beautiful
One of the hidden joys of pickleball is its portability. A paddle fits easily into any suitcase, and suddenly the entire world becomes your playground. Major cities across Asia, Europe, and North America now have thriving pickleball communities, and smaller towns—like Dongguan—are emerging as new destinations.
Traveling to play pickleball brings something special:
the chance to explore new cultures, meet locals, and experience the world through sport. Very few activities create this kind of global connection so naturally.
A Universal Message
Our visit to Dongguan reaffirmed something we’ve believed from the very beginning:
EVERYDAY SOCIAL® isn’t just a local philosophy—it’s universal.
Pickleball is more than rallies, scores, and court lines.
It’s a bridge.
A language.
A shared moment between strangers who become friends.
As we continue growing our community from Karuizawa to Hong Kong, from Dongguan to wherever pickleball travels next, we carry this message with us:
Play more. Connect more. Live EVERYDAY SOCIAL®.
🟡🌲
— Ivan
