From 6 to 9 May 2026, a dozen players from the United Nations (UN) Pickleball Club in Vienna – all proud members of the PFA – travelled to Crete (Greece) to compete in the 51st UN Inter-Agency Games (IAG). This year’s tournament marked a historic milestone: for the very first time, pickleball was officially featured as an approved discipline at the Games.

This major achievement was made possible thanks to the tireless perseverance of the club’s previous president, Jessie Dai, whose vision helped introduce the sport to the broader UN community.

Jessie’s dedication truly paid off as pickleball players from around the world gathered at the sunny Lyttos Beach Resort in Crete. What followed were two action-packed days of outstanding play, defined not only by fierce competition, but also by a remarkable spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect among international colleagues.

Austrian players represented on all medaling teams

The action on court was electrifying. After a series of heart-pounding, come-from-behind victories and dramatic tiebreakers in both the championship and consolation finals, the tournament concluded with gold going to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Silver was claimed by the combined UN agencies from New York, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) from Montreal took home bronze.

UN Pickleball Club members proudly found success across all three medaling teams. Yet beyond the medals, the true victory was the collective joy of seeing players from different agencies connect through their shared love of the game.

Following this incredibly successful debut, pickleball has officially established its place in the UN sporting world. The sport will make its return at the 2027 IAG in Rome, where the club hopes to welcome even more players, further spread the passion for pickleball, and continue building global friendships on and off the court.

Podium

🥇 International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
🥈 UN New York
🥉 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

UN Pickleball Club players found success on all three medaling teams.

Pickleball is here to stay – and more teams are invited to join at the 2027 IAG in Rome!

 

Text & Photos: UN Pickleball Club