Photo Credits to: Mihae Kwon (https://www.instagram.com/p/DHxYgroxrnA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==)
UPA Asia has announced the Trailblazers Program Season 2 Class of 2026 (https://upa-asia.com/upa-asia-trailblazers-season-2-class-of-2026-announced/), naming 16 athletes split between Trailblazers and Rising Stars after an intensive December pre-selection camp at Infinity Academy.
Designed as a structured pathway rather than a one-off selection, the program combines high-performance training, media development, and tour opportunities - aimed at helping players sharpen their games, grow their profiles, and step more confidently into professional pickleball.
Eight athletes were selected as Trailblazers, earning two-year UPA Asia Pro Contracts and a six-week immersion in the United States. UPA Asia says the Trailblazers will train under top coaches at world-class facilities, receive comprehensive media training, and compete on the Carvana PPA Tour.
Another eight athletes were named Rising Stars, each securing a one-year UPA Asia Pro Contract with athlete pathway assistance, media training, and development support as they establish themselves on PPA Tour Asia.
The Class Of 2026: Trailblazers And Rising Stars
Trailblazers: Tya Karina Aditya (INA), Julian Chow (HKG), Mihae Kwon (KOR), Dang Ngo (VIE), Tang Nok Yiu (HKG), Syed Uzair (MAS), Colin Wong (MAS), Anni Xie (CHN).
Rising Stars: Timothy Foo (MAS), Yunqi He (CHN), Paranya Jareonvongrayab (THA), Pei-Yu Lai (TPE), Longsheng Liu (CHN), Christian Josua Luna (PHI), Anh Hoang Nguyen (VIE), Seina Shima (JPN).
While the announcement focuses on pathway and opportunity, UPA Asia’s message is clear: these selections represent the region’s top talent - athletes already shaped by competitive environments and now being supported with contracts, coaching access, and consistent tour-level exposure to help turn strong runs into sustained pro results.
Photo Credits to: Colin Wong (https://www.instagram.com/p/DS7qQTuD_HZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==)
From Shortlist To Selection: Infinity Academy’s Role
The December
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excited to see the growth of the upcoming trailblazers