February 4, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Around 300 players competed in the three-day Picklrs Open Showdown 2026 at Pickleball Lamunin from January 30 to February 1, highlighting the continued growth of pickleball in the Sultanate.
Acting Tutong District Officer Awangku Arif bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad, the guest of honour, presented the prizes to the top three winners in each category.
The participants competed across eight categories: 100+ mixed doubles, novice mixed doubles, men’s singles open, women’s singles open, intermediate men’s doubles, intermediate women’s doubles, 45+ men’s doubles, and intermediate mixed doubles.
With a total cash prize pool exceeding BND5,000, the tournament provided exposure to higher levels of competition, diverse playing styles, and opportunities to build competitive confidence and accelerate skill development.
The Picklrs Open Showdown 2026 was supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Asia-Pacific Pickleball Alliance (APPA).
The organisers also conducted Level 1 Pickleball Coaching and Referee Programmes, producing 24 certified Level 1 coaches and five certified referees.
Grassroots engagement is strengthened through Brunei Picklers on Reclub, which offers beginner clinics and weekly social play sessions every Friday, fostering an inclusive and supportive community for players of all levels.
The organisers plan to implement initiatives focused on junior athlete development to build a strong foundation for pickleball. Additional tournaments and sporting events are also planned to increase international participation, enhance sports entertainment, and contribute to economic growth by attracting overseas visitors and engaging with international athletes.