For Shirly Tan, 62, a simple question from friend Brenda Lwa, 66, changed everything. The suggestion to enter the women's doubles at the Leapmotor Singapore Open (part of the prestigious PPA Tour Asia 500) was an instant 'yes'. Despite her husband's initial doubts, Shirly was determined to try. This drive led her to compete in the 50-plus amateur category, fulfilling a long-held dream in front of a home crowd.
Key Takeaways:
- Pickleball is experiencing a massive boom among Singaporean seniors, offering a dynamic alternative to traditional sports.
- Individuals like Shirly Tan are finding new purpose, even competing in major tournaments like the Leapmotor Singapore Open.
- The sport provides significant health and social benefits, proving accessible even for those with previous injuries.
- Strong community and corporate support, including initiatives from OCBC and Care Corner Seniors Services, are fueling its rapid growth.
From Leisure Play to Tournament Glory: Senior Shines
Though Brenda's leg injury meant no silverware, with the pair finishing fourth, the experience was a triumph. For two friends who had initially connected through ActiveSG's seniors programme in Jurong West, simply stepping onto such a big stage was victory enough. Their journey highlights the profound impact pickleball has on reigniting passion and providing a competitive outlet.
Why Pickleball is the Perfect Match for Older Adults
It's not just Shirly Tan finding a new lease on life. Retired banker Liew Kim Fui, 70, transitioned from tennis after knee issues, discovering pickleball's smaller court and gentler learning curve to be a perfect fit. His advice is simple: just give it a try. This accessibility is a key factor in the sport's widespread appeal among Singapore's seniors.
The benefits extend beyond physical activity. Pickleball offers a fantastic way to stay mentally sharp, improve coordination, and build strong social connections. It's a sport that truly brings people together, fostering camaraderie both on and off the court.
Fueling the Phenomenon: Community & Corporate Backing
That message is spreading quickly. Singapore now has more than 5,000 active pickleball players, while the 2025 Pesta Sukan tournament attracted over 2,000 participants, according to the Singapore Pickleball Association. Supporting the sport's rapid growth, OCBC has partnered with Care Corner Seniors Services on a two-year initiative that provides free pickleball coaching to 100 isolated or frail seniors—50 participants each year through ten-week training programmes.
Pickleball's Growing Appeal Among Singapore's Seniors
Among this year's participants is 74-year-old Ho Soo Hock, who became interested in pickleball after watching training sessions at a Toa Payoh community centre. Having only played table tennis occasionally in the past, he began his pickleball training in early July, with the programme leading up to the Care Corner Sports Day in November. Top performers will also have the opportunity to compete in the novice division of the inaugural OCBC-Great Eastern Pickleball Open in October, a category that was fully booked shortly after registration opened.
Not everyone involved is focused on winning. Tong Shui Chong, an 83-year-old retiree training in Marsiling, believes the biggest reward is simply staying active rather than chasing medals. Even so, he joked that if given the chance to compete in the tournament—and if his standard was good enough—he would happily accept the opportunity.
From Shirly Tan's long-awaited return to international competition to Tong Shui Chong's light-hearted approach to the sport, one thing is evident: Singapore's seniors are doing far more than passing the time on the pickleball court—they're discovering a new purpose that keeps them coming back.
