On April 19, the 2025 International Pickleball (Hainan·Haikou) Invitational Tournament, jointly organized by the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports and China Tourism News, officially commenced in Haikou City. The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including Wang Yanjie, Second-Level Inspector of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism; Li Haigang, Deputy Director of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports; Xu Xing, Secretary of the Party Committee and Editor-in-Chief of China Tourism News; Wang Yan, representative of the China-ASEAN Centre; as well as domestic and international pickleball athletes, referees, and delegates.
The policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, its exceptional climate, and inclusive international environment have created fertile ground for the rapid growth of pickleball. This global invitational tournament not only exemplifies Hainan’s innovative efforts under the theme of "New Events, New Vitality, New Momentum, New Economy" but also serves as a pivotal opportunity to advance the integrated model of "Pickleball + Health & Wellness" and "Events + Tourism." Through the tournament, Hainan aims to captivate global attention, inviting more people to "follow pickleball to Hainan," experience the thrill of sports amid its tropical coastal scenery, and witness the cultural and tourism renaissance driven by the Free Trade Port’s development.
The tournament has attracted over 200 athletes from 40 teams, including participants from South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Georgia, Cambodia, and China’s Macao region. Competition categories include International Events (Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles), Domestic Events (Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, subdivided into Senior, Middle-Aged, and Youth Groups), and International Friendship Matches. Top-tier athletes from home and abroad will engage in both competitive and interactive exchanges, fostering cross-cultural dialogue.
On the courts, athletes showcased their skills with deft drop shots, powerful smashes, and daring saves. The squeak of sneakers, the crack of paddles, and the roar of cheers intertwined, driving the atmosphere to repeated crescendos. Doubles matches delivered nail-biting intensity, while mixed doubles pairs demonstrated seamless teamwork. With scores seesawing and strategies shifting dynamically, the electrifying clashes earned thunderous applause, offering spectators a riveting and unforgettable sporting spectacle.
During the event, organizers have curated specialized cultural and tourism itineraries for guests and athletes. Through immersive explorations, international and domestic participants will delve into Hainan’s health and wellness resources, maritime heritage, and ecological landscapes, further catalyzing a virtuous cycle of "event-driven tourism, consumption, and industrial upgrading."