Pickleball continues to shine in Africa at the 13th African Games

on Mar 29, 2024

A woman uses a Selkirk Power Air Invikta to compete in the 13th African Games. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Athletes from Ghana hold up their country's flag during the closing ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

A player uses the Selkirk Power Air Invikta in prestige colors to compete at the University of Ghana campus. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Athletes take a moment to hydrate in between matches. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Players were given Selkirk Sport paddles at the medal ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Athletes from South Africa were all smiles at the opening ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

A woman represents Nigeria as she competes in the 13th African Games. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Athletes are awarded medals in women's doubles during the closing ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

An athlete reaches for a hard shot with his Selkirk Power Air Invikta. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Athletes from Ghana dance at the closing ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Players were given Selkirk Sport paddles at the closing ceremony. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

Paddles from Selkirk Sport and SLK by Selkirk Sport were given to the athletes. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

A woman uses a Selkirk Power Air Invikta as her paddle of choice. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

In between matches, athletes enjoyed snacking while watching the competition. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

An athlete from Rwanda lunges for a volley during the 13th African Games. Photo by the Confederation of African Pickleball.

In an effort to grow pickleball as a competitive sport across Africa, the Confederation of African Pickleball and the Global Pickleball Federation joined forces to host the first-ever pickleball tournament with officiants at the 13th African games.

The pickleball tournament at the 13th African Games was held from March 11-15 at the University of Ghana campus in Accra. Nine countries from the continent competed in the games, advancing pickleball's visibility and growth in Africa.

The groups hope to continue the momentum by hosting a pickleball tournament at the 2027 African Games in Egypt.