The 1st Goyang Special Market Cup Pickleball Tournament Held

Over 170 Pickleball Enthusiasts Participate... Fully Immersed in the Charm of a New Lifestyle Sport
A Sport Combining Tennis, Badminton, and Table Tennis... Rapidly Growing as the No.1 Sport in the US

Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) announced on the 9th that the ‘2024 Goyang Special City Mayor’s Pickleball Tournament’ was successfully held at the Pickleball Court located in Haengjunae-dong, Deogyang-gu.

Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, is delivering a greeting at the '2024 Goyang Special City Mayor's Pickleball Tournament' held on the 9th. Photo by Goyang Special City

Organized by the Goyang Special City Pickleball Association and sponsored by Goyang Special City, the tournament saw over 170 pickleball enthusiasts competing to showcase their skills. At the opening ceremony, Mayor Lee Dong-hwan of Goyang Special City and other tournament officials attended to encourage the players.

Pickleball is a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Matches are played on a court similar in size to a badminton court, and players earn a set point by being the first to reach 11 points. Using lightweight paddles and a perforated ball, it offers the advantage of being enjoyable for people of all ages and fitness levels without physical strain.

Although still unfamiliar in Korea, pickleball was ranked as the number one ‘fastest-growing sport in the United States’ by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA).

Lee Dong-hwan, Mayor of Goyang Special City, playing pickleball. Provided by Goyang Special City

Mayor Lee Dong-hwan of Goyang Special City said, “Pickleball is a sport that people of all ages and skill levels can easily enjoy together,” adding, “I hope that through today’s tournament, the charm of pickleball will be introduced to many people and contribute to the development of the sport.”