United Pickleball Association Asia (UPA Asia) has announced the Trailblazers Programme Class of 2026 for Season 2, with Malaysia’s Colin Wong and Syed Uzair among the standout names selected.
A total of 16 of Asia’s top young pickleball talents earned selection following an intensive pre-selection training camp held at Infinity Academy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in December 2025.
Of the 16 athletes, eight were named Trailblazers, securing two-year UPA Asia Pro Contracts. These players will undergo six-week immersive training stints in the United States, training at world-class facilities under elite coaches. The programme also includes media training and competitive opportunities on the Carvana PPA Tour, offering a comprehensive pathway for pickleball players aiming to establish themselves at the highest level of professional pickleball.
In addition to on-court development, the Trailblazers Programme is designed to help athletes build their professional profiles, gain international exposure, and transition seamlessly into the global pickleball ecosystem.
Trailblazers – Class of 2026
Tya Karina Aditya (Indonesia)
Julian Chow (Hong Kong)
Mihae Kwon (Korea)
Dang Ngo (Vietnam)
Tang Nok Yiu (Hong Kong)
Syed Uzair (Malaysia)
Colin Wong (Malaysia)
Anni Xie (China)
Alongside the Trailblazers, UPA Asia also announced eight Rising Stars, each awarded a one-year UPA Asia Pro Contract. These athletes will receive structured pathway assistance, media training, and development support under expert guidance as they begin their journeys on the PPA Tour Asia.
Rising Stars – Class of 2026
Timothy Foo (Malaysia)
Yunqi He (China)
Paranya Jareonvongrayab (Thailand)
Pei-Yu Lai (Chinese Taipei)
Longsheng Liu (China)
Christian Josua Luna (Philippines)
Anh Hoang Nguyen (Vietnam)
Seina Shima (Japan)
With elite training, international competition, and long-term development support, the UPA Asia Trailblazers and Rising Stars are set to make their presence felt across courts in Asia and the United States in the coming months.
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