On September 12, 2026, the 4th Austrian Junior Pickleball Championships were held at Tennis Weber in Schwechat-Rannersdorf. For the second consecutive year, the Pickleball Federation Austria’s junior championships took place at 1. TC Kaiserebersdorf. Six teams competed on the venue’s hard courts for the Austrian U18 Junior Doubles title.
Just like last year, there was no getting past Nicolas Palka. The defending champion competed with a new partner in 2026: with his teammate from the previous year unavailable, Rafael Gschossmann stepped in – and the pair clicked from the very beginning.
Palka and Gschossmann remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and secured the Austrian championship title. Nicolas Palka and Rafael Gschossmann won the Final against Daniel Maurer and Nico Foltas 11:4, 11:6.
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U14 duo makes a statement with second place
The second-place finish by Daniel Maurer and Nico Foltas was particularly impressive. Both players are still eligible for the U14 age category, yet managed to hold their own against the older competition.
With their runner-up finish, the two young players impressively underlined the potential already emerging in Austria’s next generation. Considering the age difference, their second place was one of the sporting highlights of this year’s junior championships.
Bronze went to Ben Harrer and Fabio Foltas who defeated Martin Wurdits and Aaron Juhn 11:9, 12:10 in the bronze medal match.
The medal winners of the 4th Austrian Junior Championships:
1. Nicolas Palka / Rafael Gschossmann
2. Nico Foltas / Daniel Maurer
3. Ben Harrer / Fabio Foltas
Find all match results on RAQT – Link
Palka successfully defends his title
For Nicolas Palka, it was already his second consecutive Austrian junior championship title: “I’m very happy that I was able to win the championship again. Unfortunately, my partner from last year couldn’t make it today. It was great that Rafael stepped in.”
Rafael Gschossmann was also delighted with the clear improvement compared to the previous year: “Last year didn’t go that well, so I’m even happier about winning this year. Our play at the net made the difference.”
Ideal conditions in Schwechat-Rannersdorf
The hard courts and permanent Pickleball court at Tennis Weber provide ideal conditions for Pickleball events. Jochen Nowak from Tennis Weber was very positive after the tournament: “It’s great that we were able to host the Austrian Junior Championships for the second time. The kids are having a fantastic time – and that’s the most important thing.”
For the Pickleball Federation Austria, the cooperation with 1. TC Kaiserebersdorf is also an important part of its youth development efforts. PFA President Peter Robic: “We are very happy to have 1. TC Kaiserebersdorf as a partner that places such a strong emphasis on youth development. The level at the Austrian Junior Championships has improved once again – and the permanent Pickleball court at the venue has certainly contributed to that. The atmosphere here in Schwechat on the outdoor courts is exceptional. The conditions are ideal for Pickleball tournaments.”
Kick-off for youth initiative in autumn 2026
The junior championships are set to become an even more important part of the federation’s long-term youth development efforts. Starting in autumn 2026, the Pickleball Federation Austria will invite young players to joint workshops and training sessions. The strong level of interest was already evident at the 4th Austrian Junior Championships: numerous participants expressed their interest in additional joint training sessions and workshops.
The aim is to give young players additional opportunities alongside their regular club training to practise together, learn from one another and continue developing their game.
Further details about the planned junior workshops and training sessions will follow.
The 4th Austrian Junior Championships once again showed that Austria’s youth Pickleball scene continues to develop: the overall playing level is rising, more and more young players are gaining regular match experience – and with talents such as the U14-eligible duo Maurer/Foltas, the next generation is already making its mark.
