Dar es Salaam has become the center of exciting pickleball action as players from across Africa and beyond battle for glory in the ongoing Open Pickleball Tournament at the East Africa Racket Sports Club.
The tournament, which has drawn competitors from seven countries, continues to showcase the rapid growth of pickleball in Tanzania while offering local players a rare opportunity to compete against experienced international athletes.
Speaking during the event on May 27, President of the Tanzania Pickleball Association, Kartik Kapoor, said the tournament had already entered the singles stage, with the professional category expected to begin on May 28.
Kapoor noted that this year’s edition has attracted tougher competition due to the presence of players from countries where the sport is well established, including South Africa, India and Dubai.
“The level of competition this year is very high because we have participants from different countries with strong experience in the game,” he said.
“Our vision is to make Tanzania a leading pickleball destination in Africa. By hosting international tournaments like this, our players gain exposure and learn advanced techniques from top competitors.”
He added that the competition is also helping Tanzanian players prepare for major continental tournaments scheduled later this year.
Local participant Rajabu Mussa from Morogoro said the tournament has already given him valuable experience and confidence despite it being his first appearance in such an event.
“My target is to perform well and return home with victory,” he said. “This competition has exposed me to different playing styles and tactics from both local and foreign players, and that experience is very important for my growth.”
Rajabu also appealed to sponsors and stakeholders to invest more in the sport to help create additional tournaments that can nurture talent and raise the standard of Tanzanian players.
Kenyan participant Martha Wambui described her singles match as highly demanding, saying she faced a fast and energetic opponent on the court.
She used the opportunity to encourage more women to participate in pickleball competitions, noting that female representation remains low compared to men.
“I would really like to see more women joining this sport because their numbers are still small,” she said. “Greater participation will increase competition and help grow the game even further.”
The tournament has brought together players from Kenya, Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, India and Dubai, underlining Tanzania’s growing reputation as an emerging destination for international pickleball competitions.
