KARACHI, August 4, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Open Sindh Pickleball Championship 2026 commenced at the Mini Sports Complex, Nazimabad, Karachi, bringing together top players from across the province in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. The two-day championship, held under the banner of the Sindh Pickleball Association, is taking place from August 1 to August 2. The championship features a total of 22 participants, including 10 female and 12 male players, competing in a range of categories including men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

The opening ceremony was marked by the inauguration of a newly constructed pickleball court at the Mini Sports Complex, a significant step towards enhancing sports infrastructure and promoting the development of pickleball in Sindh. President of the Pakistan Students Olympic Association (PSOA), Maqbool Arain, and President of the Karachi Students Olympic Association (KSOA), Azmat Pasha, attended the ceremony as chief guests. They expressed their support for the promotion of pickleball and appreciated the efforts being made to provide quality facilities for emerging athletes.

Players representing Karachi, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and other districts of Sindh are participating in the championship, alongside independent athletes competing in the open categories. Tournament supervisors Junaid Raees and Shariq Siddiqui are overseeing the competition to ensure fair play and the smooth conduct of matches throughout the event.

President of the Sindh Pickleball Association, A. Samad, and Secretary Shazia Pirzada were also present at the opening ceremony. They welcomed the participating athletes and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to expanding pickleball across the province by providing greater opportunities for players and strengthening grassroots development. The championship reflects the growing popularity of pickleball in Pakistan and serves as an important platform for identifying and nurturing emerging talent while encouraging greater participation in the sport across Sindh.