24 learn-to-play workshops will be held to give beginners the chance to hone their skills in the lead up to the tournament.

Singapore, 6 April 2026 – OCBC Group today announced that the first edition of the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open will be held from 23 to 25 October 2026. Close to 1,600 participants are expected to compete across the three days for podium finishes, making it one of the largest pickleball tournaments in Southeast Asia.

The tournament will be held at OCBC Arena, whose air-conditioned halls will enhance players’ experience and provide relief from Singapore’s tropical climate. These make OCBC Arena an ideal location for this event.

OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open will comprise two public categories — Novice and Open — to cater to both recreational and competitive players. All matches will be played in the doubles format, and teams may be formed in any gender combination – two males, two females, or a mixed pair.

The Novice category is intended for players with less than 24 months of playing experience and who have not medalled in any local or overseas pickleball tournaments. The Open category, on the other hand, is open to players of all skills and experience, and recommended for more experienced players. In addition, Bank of Singapore, the private banking subsidiary of OCBC, will host two corporate categories: A corporate challenge open to public registration and an exclusive, invite-only championship.

Registration for the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open will commence on 27 July 2026. Details will be shared on the event website (www.ocbcgreateasternpickleball.com) and @ocbcgepickleball on Instagram and Facebook closer to the start of registration.

Lead-up workshops for beginners

In the lead-up to the tournament, The Kallang Group will organise a series of 24 learn-to-play workshops — the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Series — to be held in April, May, August and September at the OCBC Group-sponsored pickleball courts along the Great Eastern Promenade at the National Stadium, which were opened in January this year.

The workshops are designed for beginners, and each workshop can accommodate up to 36 participants. This brings the total capacity across all workshops to more than 860 participants. The two-hour workshop comprises three segments — an introductory segment, practice, and social games — and will be led by certified coaches. The coaches will guide participants through the rules, build their fundamental skills and techniques, and provide them with a strong foundation to enjoy the game and progress with confidence.

[List of workshops in Annex A]

Members of the public can find out more and sign up for the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Series at www.thekallang.com.sg/events starting today. Participants may register for multiple workshops on the different dates.

Those who sign up for the workshops will also stand a chance to secure their spots in the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open ahead of the public. From 24 to 26 July, 88 spots will be opened to these participants. Public registration commences on 27 July 2026.

Ms Koh Ching Ching, Head of Group Brand and Communications of OCBC, said: “Thanks to the strong partnership with The Kallang, the OCBC Group of companies is able to introduce an almost year-long programme that begins with introductory workshops and culminates in one of the largest tournaments in the region. This gives the growing community of pickleball enthusiasts many opportunities to learn the sport, hone their dinks, play longer rallies and smash it out competitively a supportive environment. We welcome players of all ages to grab a paddle and take to the courts at The Kallang in the months ahead.”

Ms Kwek-Perroy Li Choo, Managing Director, who oversees brand and communications initiatives, at Great Eastern, said: “We believe that quality of life is enhanced by staying active, connected and engaged with the community. Following the recent launch of the Great Eastern Promenade at the National Stadium, we are proud as the insurance arm of OCBC to support the inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open. This reflects our shared commitment to making active living accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, and we look forward to seeing the community come together on the courts in the months ahead.”

Mr Daryl Yeo, Chief Operating Officer, The Kallang Group, said: “Pickleball is an inclusive sport that can bring the community together. Through initiatives such as our pickleball learn to play workshops, and events like the OCBC Great Eastern Pickleball Open, we at The Kallang are creating shared spaces and experiences that encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, stay active and feel alive through play.”

Ms Gillian Lee, 27, a pickleball enthusiast, said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing pickleball casually with friends, but this is the first time I’m getting proper coaching and learning the fundamentals the right way. The workshops are meant for beginners, so even as someone with very low level of playing skills, I don’t feel nervous trying or making mistakes. I intend to encourage my friends to join me because it’s so much more affordable than private coaching lessons, and it’s just more fun learning together. Plus, I love that I will be meeting new people through the workshops—it means I may have more friends to meet up with for regular pickleball games outside the workshops too.”

ANNEX A - List of workshops for OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Series

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