Singapore's pickleball scene is about to reach new heights. OCBC Group has officially announced the first edition of the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open, set to take place from 23 to 25 October 2026 at OCBC Arena. With close to 1,600 participants expected to compete, the event is shaping up to be one of the largest pickleball tournaments in Southeast Asia.
Tournament Details
The three-day tournament will be hosted at OCBC Arena, a venue well-suited to the event thanks to its air-conditioned halls that offer players relief from Singapore's tropical heat. All matches will be played in a doubles format, and teams can be formed in any gender combination: two males, two females, or a mixed pair.
The tournament features two public categories designed to accommodate players across different experience levels:
- Novice: For players with less than 24 months of playing experience who have not medalled in any local or overseas pickleball tournaments.
- Open: Open to players of all skill levels and experience, and recommended for those with a stronger competitive background.
Bank of Singapore (the private banking arm of OCBC) will also host two additional corporate categories: a corporate challenge open to public registration, and an exclusive by-invitation-only championship for clients of OCBC Group.
Lead-Up Workshops for Beginners
In the months leading up to the tournament, The Kallang Group will run 24 learn-to-play workshops under the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Series. These sessions will 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 opened to the public in January 2026.
Each two-hour workshop is capped at 36 participants and is led by certified coaches. The session is structured into three parts: an introductory segment covering the rules of the game, a practice phase to build fundamental skills, and social games to put those skills into action. Total workshop capacity across all sessions exceeds 860 participants.
Workshops are available across three participant categories:
Category | Sessions | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Adults (21 and above) | Fridays and Saturdays in April, May, August and September | S$15 per participant |
Youths (13 to 20 years old) | Saturday mornings in April, May, August and September | S$10 per participant |
Multi-Generation Groups | 1 child (7-16), 1 adult (21+) and 1 senior (60+). Saturday evenings in April, May, August and September | S$28 per group of 3 |
Sign-ups for the workshop series are available at www.thekallang.com.sg/events. Participants can register for multiple sessions on different dates.
A Growing Sport, a Growing Community
The OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open is the culmination of a broader partnership between OCBC Group and the Singapore Sports Hub that was announced back in October 2025. Alongside the tournament, the partnership also saw eight new outdoor pickleball courts commissioned at the Singapore Sports Hub, now open for public use.
The programme brings together OCBC Bank, Bank of Singapore, Great Eastern, and Kallang Alive Sport Management, reflecting a strong cross-sector push to grow pickleball in Singapore. The sport has been gaining ground rapidly here, largely because it is easy to pick up, affordable, and accessible to players of all ages and fitness levels.
Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or looking to test your game in a competitive setting, the OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open and its lead-up workshop series offer a clear pathway from beginner to tournament player.
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