Pickleball may have started on a humble driveway in Washington State, but today, it’s showing up in the most unexpected corners of the globe — from bustling cities in India to breezy courts in the Canary Islands, even on the icy edge of Antarctica. Yes, really. The game that was once little-known outside the U.S. is now finding fans across continents, and older adults are leading the charge.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can play pickleball while traveling, relocating, or living abroad, the answer is a resounding yes. And it’s only getting easier.

The U.S. Spark — and Global Spread

The United States still leads the world in pickleball infrastructure, players, and organized competition. From Florida retirement villages to community courts in Colorado, the sport is embedded into daily life for many active adults. But that American enthusiasm has sparked global interest — especially in the last five years.

Thanks to online communities, traveling players, and social media, people around the world are discovering the joy of pickleball. What makes it so appealing internationally? Simple:

• It’s easy to learn
• It doesn’t require expensive equipment
• It can be played almost anywhere — indoors or out
• And it brings people together, regardless of age or background

That last part has been especially powerful in countries where sports are often segregated by age or ability. Pickleball brings people into shared space — and that’s helping it grow, fast.

Where Pickleball Is Gaining Traction

India

Pickleball India has seen explosive growth in recent years, with local tournaments, training camps, and public courts popping up in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Senior players are a visible part of the movement, with many finding the sport through wellness centers or as a gentle return to regular activity after retirement.

The Indian climate and densely populated urban areas make smaller-court sports ideal — and pickleball fits the bill. Indoor and rooftop courts are gaining popularity, making it accessible even in packed cities.

Brazil & Venezuela

In South America, pickleball is catching on through community recreation centers, coastal resorts, and expat networks. In Brazil, the game has started to appear in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, especially among older adults looking for a low-impact alternative to soccer or tennis.

In Venezuela, interest is spreading through informal groups — often taught by returning expats or health-focused senior centers. As infrastructure improves, expect to see more cross-cultural play happening in the region.

South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria

Across Africa, pickleball is still in early stages — but momentum is building. South Africa has introduced the sport through schools, clubs, and senior recreation programs. In Nairobi and Lagos, grassroots groups are forming in community centers and health-focused retirement spaces.

It helps that pickleball doesn’t need a massive investment to start — just a paddle, a few balls, and an open space. For seniors in these countries, it’s becoming a promising way to stay active, social, and connected to global trends.

Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines

Singapore’s health-conscious, urban culture has embraced pickleball, particularly in senior-focused recreation programs. Courts are now being added to fitness centers and community spaces throughout the city, with a growing community of players 50+ discovering its mental and physical benefits. Singapore as well as Malaysia has government funding for special pickleball facilities for seniors as they see the sport as having huge value to people living a bit longer.

In Vietnam and the Philippines growth in senior pickleball has grown exponentially with new facilities and groups growing all the time.

Canary Islands

Meanwhile, the Canary Islands — already popular with European retirees — are becoming a low-key pickleball getaway. Resorts in Tenerife and Gran Canaria are adding courts, and some even offer beginner sessions in both English and Spanish.

Greece

Greece has become a surprise standout, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Crete and the Peloponnese. Seasonal clubs have introduced pickleball to seniors visiting from the U.S., UK, and Germany. Some of them loved it so much, they started importing paddles and organizing pop-up events in village squares and coastal parks.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to grow a sport is by just setting up a net and inviting someone to try.

Antarctica!

Yes — even Antarctica. Believe it or not, a member of the Senior Pickleball Tips community plays regularly at the U.S. research station on the southernmost continent. Courts may be taped lines in a gym and the weather might not exactly be welcoming, but it proves the game truly has no boundaries. If it can be played there (indoors, of course), it can be played anywhere.

How Seniors Are Spreading the Game

One of the most powerful forces behind global pickleball growth? Retirees and traveling seniors.

Whether snowbirding to warm climates, moving abroad, or visiting family overseas, older adults are bringing paddles in their suitcases and teaching new players wherever they land. Some even donate extra paddles and balls to local schools or clubs to help build interest.

A few players are involved in international coaching or clinics. Others simply show up to a court and ask, “Want to try a game?” It’s the kind of sport that invites curiosity and converts casual onlookers into first-time players within minutes.

Getting Involved Abroad

If you’re planning travel or a longer stay in another country, it’s easier than ever to connect:

• Use Facebook or WhatsApp groups to find local play
• Search “pickleball + [city]” on Google Maps or Places2Play or Pickleheads.com
• Pack lightweight paddles and balls — many communities are still short on gear
• Be ready to teach. You might be the one introducing pickleball to a new country!

And if you’re curious about how far your paddle can take you, just ask around in the Senior Pickleball Tips community — odds are, someone’s played where you’re going (or knows someone who has).

Final Thoughts: A Global Game With Local Heart

Pickleball’s global rise is happening not through massive sponsorships or billion-dollar leagues — it’s happening through conversations, friendships, and a shared love of the game. It’s happening in schoolyards, parks, gyms, and garages. And often, it’s seniors who are carrying the torch.

Wherever you go, there’s probably a court — or a future court — just waiting to be discovered. So, bring your paddle. Bring a smile. And remember: whether it’s Greece, Kenya, India, or even Antarctica, the game is the same. It’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s growing — one player at a time.