Pickleball hits the mark with older Chinese players

The 5th National Senior Citizens' Sports and Fitness Games Pickleball Exchange Event recently concluded in Changsha, Hunan province, drawing 32 teams, 390 athletes and accompanying personnel from across the country.

Participants competed in men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles and mixed team events.

Under the competition regulations, the group round-robin stage adopted a single-game, 11-point deciding format, while the knockout stage used a single-game, 15-point deciding format. Team rankings combined each team's placements in the three individual events.

The emerging sport has proved widely popular among older adults in China.

"Pickleball rackets are light, the court is small, and there is much less strain on the arm," said Chen Yan, a participant from Liaoning province who used to play tennis but suffered from tennis elbow.

"It is not overly competitive. It is highly entertaining and great for socializing. After a game, you feel great. You can chat with players from all over about grip techniques and stretching, add each other on WeChat, and plan to meet again. It is especially suitable for us older folks."

The event's support services were tailored to the needs of older adults. The Changsha competition zone completed venue upgrades and made integrated arrangements for accommodation, transportation, medical care, and security. Registration required health examination certificates and insurance covering accidents and sudden illnesses. Before the competition, organizers reminded participants with chronic conditions to take their medication on time, warm up thoroughly, and pace themselves.