Absa Bank Tanzania Celebrates Record-Breaking Success at the 2026 Tanzania Pickleball Open, Reinforcing Nation’s Vision as a Regional Sports Hub

 ATTRACTING pickleball players from more than seven countries, the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026 tournament backed by Absa Bank Tanzania, underscoring the growing popularity of the sport and Tanzania’s ambitions to become a regional sports and tourism hub.

The five-day tournament, held at the Gymkhana Club grounds in Dar es Salaam, brought together elite pickleball players from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Turkey and Dubai for one of East Africa’s largest pickleball competitions.

Organised through a partnership between the Tanzania Pickleball Association (TPA) and the East Africa Racket Sports Club (EARSC), the event featured a corporate prize pool of US$15,000 and premium playing equipment, attracting both international competitors and local spectators.

As the tournament’s title sponsor, Absa Bank Tanzania said its support reflects a broader commitment to youth development, community engagement and the promotion of emerging sports in the country.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Absa Bank Tanzania Marketing and Communications Manager, Mr Beda Biswalo, said the tournament had demonstrated the growing potential of pickleball to unite communities and create opportunities for young people.

“We are inspired by the remarkable energy, discipline and international talent displayed throughout the tournament,” said Mr Biswalo. “Our partnership reflects a deeper purpose—championing a sport that unites communities while creating meaningful opportunities for young people.”

He encouraged more Tanzanians, particularly youth, to embrace the sport, noting that pickleball offers opportunities for recreation, fitness and professional development.

Sports stakeholders say the rapid growth of pickleball is creating new opportunities for athletes through international rankings, scholarships and participation in an expanding global professional circuit. The sport’s accessibility and relatively low cost have also contributed to its increasing popularity across different age groups.

The tournament's success aligns with Tanzania’s broader efforts to strengthen sports as a contributor to economic growth and tourism. Through support from government institutions and private-sector partners, the country has increasingly hosted regional and international sporting events aimed at showcasing Tanzania as a destination for sports tourism.

“Absa Bank investment in the tournament supports the Government’s agenda of developing sports infrastructure, nurturing local talent and positioning sports as a driver of economic activity. The initiative is in line with ongoing efforts by the National Sports Council (BMT) to expand opportunities for athletes and sports organisations”, Mr Biswalo added.

The bank also acknowledged the contributions of the Government of Tanzania, co-sponsors Pepsi and CBD Hotel, technology partner Courtly, tournament organisers and fans whose support contributed to the successful staging of the championship.

Following the success of the 2026 edition, Absa Bank remains committed to supporting the growth of pickleball and is optimistic that the Tanzania Pickleball Open will continue to attract increased international participation, help develop the next generation of Tanzanian athletes, and elevate the country's profile on the global sporting stage.

On his part, the President of Tanzania Pickleball Association and the East Africa Rackets Sports Club Director, Kartik Kapor, stated that the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026 was a resounding success and marked only the beginning of Tanzania’s journey toward becoming a global pickleball powerhouse.

During the finals Women’s Doubles, Rakshika/Agni won 1st place, Sally/Rinaaz won 2nd place and Edna/Ester, WON 3rd place. On men’s Double category, Yuvraj/Purvansh won 1st place, Fifi/Shane won 2nd place and Kartik/Dev won 3rd place.

On the Men’s Singles; Purvansh won 1st place, Fifi 2nd and Dev won 3rd place. International Mixed Doubles; Shaheed/Deandra won 1st place, Ahmad/Zainab 2nd and Lisa/Zuber won 3rd place. Open Women’s Singles; Agni won 1st place, Tamara won 2nd and Sally won 3rd place.

On Mix Doubles winners; Rakshika/Dev won 1st place, 2nd place went to Alikhan/Sally and Yuvraj/Agni won 3rd place.
President of Tanzania Pickleball Association and the East Africa Rackets Sports Club Chairman, Kartik Kapor, shakes hands with Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Large Corporates, Christopher Mgani (right), during the closing ceremony of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026, sponsored by the financial institution, at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club.
Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Large Corporates, Christopher Mgani (left), presents awards to winners of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026 during the closing ceremony at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club. The tournament was sponsored by Absa Bank.



Absa Bank Tanzania Head of Large Corporates, Christopher Mgani (right), presents trophies to one of the winners of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026 during the closing ceremony at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club. The tournament was sponsored by Absa Bank.
Pickleball players in action during the finals of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026, sponsored by Absa Bank Tanzania, at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana grounds.

A pickleball player showcases her skills during the finals of the Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026, sponsored by Absa Bank Tanzania, at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana grounds.

Cheerful winners of the recently concluded Tanzania Pickleball Open 2026 pose during the closing ceremony at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club. The tournament was sponsored by Absa Bank

Copyright 2007 ©MICHUZI JR