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| Roger Kwok and Ruco Chan Swap Scripts for Serves as Hong Kong Celebrities Join Pickleball Boom. (Credits: HK 01) |
Hong Kong’s latest celebrity gathering did not happen on a drama set or awards stage. It happened on a court, paddle in hand, with a group of well-known artistes deciding that pickleball is now the sport to be seen playing.
With the city’s growing obsession for the fast-rising game, Roger Kwok, Ruco Chan, Alvin Ng, Cindy Lee, Kayan Yau, Jacqueline Chong, Kenny Wong, Danny Hung, and veteran producer Jonathan Chik have officially formed the Pickleball Elite Team. In short, if you were expecting a quiet hobby club, think again.
The team’s line-up immediately drew attention because it mixes award-winning actors, rising television faces and one of the industry’s most respected producers.
It is not every day you see stars from in front of the camera teaming up with power players behind it, all united by a sport many people only discovered recently.
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| Hong Kong Stars Join Pickleball Craze with Roger Kwok, Ruco Chan and Celebrity Elite Squad |
Hong Kong entertainment has seen plenty of collaborations, but this one comes with trainers, paddles and suspiciously competitive energy.
Speaking to local media, Alvin Ng revealed the squad was formed after an invitation from Cindy Lee, who serves as vice president of the pickleball association.
That alone explains why this looked less like a casual weekend hit-around and more like a polished operation.
Some celebrity groups meet for coffee. This lot apparently meet for drills.
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| Pacecourt |
Asked about the standard of the players, Alvin said everyone performed well and adapted quickly.
According to him, many members already have tennis experience, giving them a natural advantage in striking the ball, movement and reading the court. In other words, they did not arrive clueless. They arrived warmed up.
The question many fans wanted answered, however, was simple: between Roger Kwok and Ruco Chan, who is better?
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| Hong Kong Pickleball Craze Grows as Celebrity Elite Team Goes Viral Online |
Alvin diplomatically praised both men, but admitted Ruco Chan had a slight edge in speed and reaction time.
He pointed to Ruco’s past as a member of Hong Kong’s youth table tennis team, saying that background gave him especially sharp reflexes and touch. Translation: once the rally starts, Ruco is probably not missing much.
That revelation has only added to Ruco’s reputation as one of those annoyingly multi-talented people who seem able to do everything well. Acting, presenting, fitness, and now paddle sports. Somewhere, ordinary people are trying to complete one task today.
Meanwhile, Roger Kwok remains a fan favourite simply for showing up and competing with the same calm confidence that made him a screen icon.
Many supporters joked that if acting trophies were converted into points, he would already be leading every match before the first serve.
Another talking point was Alvin Ng himself, who is said to be one of the stronger players in the group thanks to coaching experience and recent success in competition.
Reports noted he previously won a men’s doubles title in the Chinachem Challenge Cup 3.0+ category, making him less of a celebrity participant and more of a genuine threat on court. Handy to have one of those in the squad.
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| Hong Kong Entertainment Stars Embrace Pickleball with New Elite Celebrity Squad |
Some netizens called it the most powerful crossover team Hong Kong entertainment has seen in years, joking that the line-up is elite both on screen and off it. Others said the group looked like the cast of a prestige drama accidentally entering a sports tournament. A few admitted they had never cared about pickleball until this moment, which may be the strongest endorsement possible.
There were also playful comments asking when broadcasters would turn the team into a reality series, while others suggested rival celebrity teams should be formed immediately. If there is one thing the internet enjoys, it is healthy competition involving famous people and zero actual stakes.
Beyond the laughs, the team reflects how quickly pickleball is growing in Hong Kong. Easy to learn, social, energetic and competitive enough to keep people hooked, the sport is attracting everyone from beginners to public figures. Celebrity backing will only push that momentum further.
Who do you think would dominate the first proper tournament, and which Hong Kong star should join next?