Under this agreement, JOOLA will provide the latest paddles, apparel, bags, and other equipment. Nagahara will participate in competitive activities as an athlete and in brand activation initiatives. Going forward, through participation in domestic and international tournaments, workshops, lectures, and events, Nagahara will work alongside JOOLA to further promote and invigorate pickleball.

Message from Nagahara

Regarding this contract, we received a comment from Nagahara.

“I am delighted to join pickleball, a sport gaining significant attention as a new discipline, and deeply honored to take on this challenge with the support of JOOLA's high-quality equipment. Drawing on my experience in racket sports, I will strive to excel as a ‘dual-sport athlete’ dedicated to enhancing my competitive skills and promoting the sport.”

Nagahara's Introduction to Pickleball

We also asked Nagahara about how she first encountered pickleball.

“I was introduced to pickleball through an acquaintance. They asked me if I knew about a sport called pickleball. Just a few months earlier, an American friend had told me about pickleball as a sport trending in the US and given me a paddle and ball, so I remembered thinking, ‘Oh, that's the sport!’”

After actually trying it, I found it incredibly fun and got hooked right away. Pickleball allows everyone from children to seniors to play together, easily broadening social circles through sport, and I believe it's a deeply rewarding game as a competitive sport.

Furthermore, I heard that not many players have switched from badminton to pickleball yet. I thought that by taking on this challenge myself, I might be able to contribute something to promoting pickleball, and that's why I decided I wanted to challenge myself as a player.”

Nagahara made her official tournament debut in June 2025 and is scheduled to compete in an international tournament in Ariake in December this year. Having gained experience on the world stage, what new horizons will Nagahara open up in pickleball? JOOLA will fully support her challenge and create new history together. Please look forward to Nagahara's future endeavors!

About Wakana Nagahara

Former Japanese national badminton player. As part of the “Nagamatsu Pair” with player Mayu Matsumoto, she excelled among the world's elite, leveraging her height to deliver powerful, angled smashes. She began her pickleball challenge and tournament activities at a June 2025 event in Nagasaki. Currently, she actively promotes the sport alongside pickleball players, thriving as a “dual-sport athlete.”

Hometown: Born in Memuro Town, Kasai District, Hokkaido.

Education: Graduated from Aomori Yamada High School.

Major Achievements: World No. 1 ranking, two consecutive World Championship titles, two Olympic appearances, numerous other international tournament podium finishes.