Singapore to Host Inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open This October
Singapore is preparing to host one of Southeast Asia’s largest pickleball competitions this fall. The inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open is scheduled for October 23-25, with organizers expecting nearly 1,600 players to descend upon the city-state for the three-day event.
The tournament will take place at the OCBC Arena, situated within the newly rebranded sports precinct known as The Kallang. While the National Stadium was initially considered as the primary venue, officials shifted the event to the OCBC Arena to leverage its air-conditioned environment. The move is intended to provide a cooler, more comfortable experience for athletes competing in the humid tropical climate.
Competition Format and Player Categories
To ensure a competitive yet inclusive environment, the tournament is divided into several distinct categories. For the general public, the event offers two primary tiers based on experience and achievement:
- Novice Category: Designed for recreational players with fewer than 24 months of playing experience who have not previously medalled in any local or overseas pickleball tournament.
- Open Category: Reserved for experienced competitors with more than 24 months of experience and a history of winning medals in previous tournaments.
All matches in these public categories will follow a doubles format. In a move toward inclusivity, teams can be formed with any gender combination, including two men, two women, or mixed-gender pairs.
Beyond the public brackets, the Bank of Singapore—OCBC’s private banking subsidiary—will oversee two corporate-focused tiers. These include a corporate challenge open to the general public and an exclusive, invite-only championship for selected corporate participants.
Infrastructure Upgrades at The Kallang
The rise of pickleball in the region has prompted significant infrastructure adjustments within the sports precinct. To accommodate the growing demand, several existing facilities have been converted into dual-use courts capable of hosting pickleball, tennis, or basketball.
These modifications include two junior courts at the Kallang Tennis Hub and three courts located at the Promenade at National Stadium. This flexibility allows the precinct to pivot between different sporting needs while maximizing the utility of its available space.
The tournament arrives amid a broader rebranding of the Singapore Sports Hub, which now operates as The Kallang. This massive sports ecosystem comprises 10 primary facilities: the National Stadium, Singapore Indoor Stadium, OCBC Arena, OCBC Aquatic Centre, Water Sports Centre, Kallang Wave Mall, the Singapore Sports Museum, Shimano Cycling World, the Kallang Tennis Hub, and the Kallang Football Hub.
Preparing the Player Base
Recognizing that pickleball is still attracting many newcomers, organizers are implementing a grassroots effort to elevate the level of play before the October start date. A series of 24 workshops for beginners will be conducted in the lead-up to the tournament, allowing aspiring players to hone their skills and understand the nuances of the game before stepping onto the competitive stage at the OCBC Arena.
For those looking to practice in the interim, the Kallang Tennis Centre, managed by Sport Singapore, continues to serve as a hub for racquet sports in the area, though users should remain mindful of scheduled maintenance and upgrading closures.
Event Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open |
| Dates | October 23-25, 2026 |
| Venue | OCBC Arena, The Kallang |
| Expected Attendance | Nearly 1,600 players |
| Format | Doubles (All gender combinations) |
The OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open represents a significant scaling of the sport within Singapore, transitioning from casual community play to a structured, large-scale tournament. By integrating corporate challenges with open and novice tiers, the event aims to capture a broad cross-section of the sporting community.
The next major milestone for the event will be the rollout of the 24 beginner workshops leading into the October tournament dates. Updates regarding registration for these workshops and the main event are expected via official channels.
Do you think the shift to air-conditioned venues will significantly impact player performance in high-stakes pickleball? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
