Cover Love the intensity of racquet sports but can’t book a tennis court? Try these options. (Photo: Rodrigo Ortega / Pexels)
Love the intensity of racquet sports but can’t book a tennis court? Try these options. (Photo: Rodrigo Ortega / Pexels)
1 / 1
Whether you’re rallying on a rooftop padel court or volleying foam balls in a school gym, these racquet sports promise fast-paced fun and a fresh way to get moving
The racquet sports revival shows no signs of slowing. With pickleball claiming headlines in the West and padel making designer gym appearances, the global appetite for faster, lighter and more social racquet games is only growing. But while the spotlight lingers on US courts and European clubhouses, Asia has long been playing its own game—quietly developing or sustaining racquet sports that are just as dynamic, often more inventive and increasingly global. Here are the racquet sports reshaping Asia’s court culture, from retro revivals to modern reinventions.
In case you missed it: 9 most stunning tennis courts around the world
1. Qianball
Qianball is a non-contact racquet sport that originated in China as a hybrid of tennis and squash. Played on a smaller court with a ball attached to a ground anchor via a rubber band, it emphasises agility, reflexes and spatial awareness without requiring a full court. Qianball’s accessible setup makes it suitable for schools, parks and community centres, where it’s now enjoyed as a casual yet dynamic recreational sport.
2. Jombola
Invented in Malaysia in the early 2000s, Jombola is a hybrid racquet sport that combines the speed of badminton, the precision of squash and the bounce of ping pong. Played on a badminton-sized court using wooden paddles and a soft foam ball, it was originally developed as a more inclusive, beginner-friendly alternative to traditional racquet sports. Its low barrier to entry and minimal equipment needs have made it popular with schools and community centres, where it’s championed by local sports councils as Malaysia’s homegrown contender in the global racquet scene.
3. Soft tennis
Many racquet sports are often variations of each other. Soft tennis is to regular tennis as softball is to baseball. Often mistaken for a beginner’s version of tennis, soft tennis uses a lighter, softer ball and is popular in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Its emphasis on speed and reflex rather than power makes it especially appealing to students and casual players. It also boasts its own international federation and competitive circuit.
4. Padel
Think tennis, but make it tighter, faster and more social. Padel was invented in 1969 in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera, who modified a squash court at his home to create a new kind of racquet sport. Since then, it has exploded across Spain and Argentina, where it is now more popular than tennis. Played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls and always in doubles, padel combines reflexes, teamwork and a bit of flair. The perforated paddles and lower-compression balls make for longer rallies and trickier spins. Now catching on in Asia, from Bangkok’s rooftop courts to private clubs in Tokyo and Dubai, padel is less about solo glory and more about the post-game Aperol spritz.
5. Badminton
Above Photo: Vlad Vasnetsov / Pexels
Photo: Vlad Vasnetsov / Pexels
1 / 1
It may be old-school, but badminton still gets hearts racing across Asia. In Indonesia, Malaysia, China and India, it’s more than just a backyard sport. In fact, it’s a source of national pride. Olympic champions are revered like pop idols, and pickup games in tiny alleys or rooftop courts remain part of daily life. With its explosive footwork and lightning-speed rallies, badminton is a cardio masterclass disguised as a game. It remains one of the most popular racquet sports in the region.
See more: Courting greatness: a retrospective look at Malaysian badminton achievements
6. Table tennis
Above Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels
1 / 1
Ubiquitous in parks, schools and offices, table tennis remains one of the most technically demanding and fastest racquet sports in the world. China still dominates the global scene, but Japan, Korea and Singapore aren’t far behind. In many Asian cities, you'll find tables tucked into public spaces, a quiet nod to a game that thrives in both grassroots and elite circles.
7. Four-wall paddleball
Four-wall paddleball—played with a solid paddle and rubber ball in a squash-style court—offers gym-goers a fast-paced, physically intense alternative to traditional racquet sports. While the sport remains niche outside North America, its mix of intensity and multi-use court compatibility could appeal to urban fitness crowds in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning boutique gym scene.
8. Speedminton
Speedminton (or crossminton) is essentially badminton without the net and its formality. It pares down the game to racquets, a shuttlecock-like “speeder” and an open space, making it playable on beaches, rooftops, gyms or even parking lots. The speeder is heavier than a traditional shuttlecock, so it’s wind-resistant and ideal for outdoor play. Its appeal lies in its informality and portability, and it’s catching on in some urban centres across Southeast Asian cities, where youth clubs are drawn to its fast pace and Instagrammable vibe.
Topics
Sasha Lim-Uy Mariposa is a lifestyle journalist who is known for her food writing. Based in Manila, she also covers entertainment and dining, as well as a broad range of topics. She was the former digital editor at Esquire Philippines and was the digital managing editor at Spot.ph, and now writes for the different Tatler Asia markets as a contributing writer for T-Labs.
