Players from 26 countries compete in a pickleball tournament in Taicang, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

Taicang, Jiangsu province, hosted the 2026 Pickleball Tournament for Expats in Jiangsu on Oct 17, bringing together more than 60 players from 26 countries in 13 teams.

The tournament featured men's singles, women's singles and mixed doubles. Players showcased their skills with quick footwork, precise shots and spirited rallies, drawing enthusiastic applause and cheers from spectators.

Beyond the courts, team leaders and athletes visited Nanyuan Garden, the Taicang Museum, Shaxi Ancient Town and Donglin village in Chengxiang town, taking a closer look at the city's history, heritage and rural development.

The event adds to Taicang's growing connection with pickleball. In June, the city hosted the Suzhou leg of the Jiangsu Pickleball Club League. In September, it also held the Triple Ace Pickleball Open (CPC-100), an event certified by the Chinese Tennis Association.

Once a relatively niche sport, pickleball is gaining wider popularity in Taicang, where a growing calendar of competitions is helping establish it as a distinctive part of the city's sporting identity.