Shouting and clapping, Wang Chen, a 28-year-old staff member from the Baiyin City branch of the State Grid in northwest China's Gansu Province, and her teammate celebrated scoring in a pickleball match.

Wang, who began playing pickleball with colleagues in February, said, "I watched some pickleball videos last month, and it is an interesting sport."

She added that they believe the sport fosters team-building at work and physical fitness in daily life.

Originating in the United States, pickleball has gained popularity across China, including northwestern regions like Gansu, in recent years.

Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is easy to learn for all ages. Wang and her colleagues converted a company badminton court into a pickleball facility.

"More and more staff will love this sport," Wang affirmed.

As a demonstration sport at the Paris Olympics, pickleball has attracted younger enthusiasts like Wang. In Lanzhou, the sport was introduced to Lanzhou University three years ago.

Zhao Fang, a teacher in the university's sports department, said student interest has grown since the pickleball association's creation, with training sessions every Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

"There are over 230 members in our pickleball association now," Zhao said.

Introduced to China over a decade ago, pickleball was designated a key promotional project by Gansu's sports administration in 2024, following a provincial competition late last year.

With its social appeal, pickleball suits all age groups. "The biggest joy is that everyone can improve continuously and make friends through this sport," Zhao said. 

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