PJF and JPA Announce Merger for Unified Governance in Japan's Pickleball

A New Era for Pickleball in Japan

In a landmark decision, the Japan Pickleball Federation (PJF) and the Japan Pickleball Association (JPA) have reached a fundamental agreement to merge into a single governing body in order to strengthen the administration of pickleball in Japan and expand its reach globally. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the future of pickleball in the country, driven by the need for a unified approach in the rapidly growing sport and the increasing trends in international sports governance.

Goals of the Merger

The merger serves two primary objectives:

1. Establishing a National Federation (NF) in preparation for Official Olympic Status by 2032
Currently, efforts are underway to establish a unified international federation (IF) for pickleball ahead of its anticipated inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. In line with this global movement, the integration of the PJF and JPA into a single NF will enable Japan to officially join the new IF as one of Asia's leading countries, thereby promoting activities aimed at Olympic participation.

2. Promoting and Establishing Pickleball in Japan
Pickleball in Japan has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year. The aim is not only to develop it as a competitive sport but also to foster its role as a tool for maintaining health, facilitating intergenerational communication, and enriching social interactions across the country. The goal is to embed pickleball in society as a sustainable sports culture.

Future Initiatives

To realize this shared vision, both organizations will act promptly by forming a joint task force composed of representatives from PJF and JPA. This task force will focus on several key objectives:

- Ensuring a smooth and efficient transition
- Securing a collaborative process that respects the values of both organizations
- Establishing a governing body that meets the highest standards of national sports administration

The creation of a single national governing body is set to bring immense benefits to the entire pickleball community in Japan. This merger is expected to accelerate the development of the sport, generate new investments and opportunities, and establish a consistent, sustainable pathway for the future of pickleball on the international stage.

This announcement signifies that both organizations have reached a basic agreement towards the merger, and going forward, they are committed to engaging in earnest discussions to finalize the integration.

Official Links

For more information and updates, check the official links:

- Official website: pickleball-japan.org
- Instagram: Pickleball Japan Federation
- Facebook: Pickleball Japan
- X: PJF Official

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the Japan Pickleball Federation Secretariat (PJF) via email: [email protected]

This strategic integration represents a thrilling new chapter for pickleball in Japan, pushing towards not just competitive accolades but also community engagement and health promotion, truly making pickleball a sport for everyone.