Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Badminton Champion Wakana Nagahara Transitions to Pickleball with JOOLA
Wakana Nagahara, a badminton world champion, has retired from badminton and is now playing pickleball.
She's been signed by JOOLA Japan as an ambassador.
Nagahara previously played badminton, achieving a world number one ranking.
She discovered pickleball through an acquaintance, and quickly got into the sport.
She will now use JOOLA's equipment.
Nagahara will participate in tournaments and events to popularize pickleball in Japan and possibly abroad.
Her journey highlights the fun of trying new sports.
Wakana Nagahara, a former badminton world champion, is transitioning to pickleball.
She has joined JOOLA Japan as an ambassador.
Nagahara previously achieved a world No. 1 ranking in badminton.
Nagahara will promote pickleball through tournaments and events.
She found pickleball fun and got 'hooked right away'.
- Who
- Wakana Nagahara, former badminton champion
- What
- Is becoming a pickleball ambassador for JOOLA Japan
- When
- Announced her transition from badminton earlier this year
- Where
- Japan, with potential for international events
- Why
- To pursue a new sporting challenge and promote pickleball
- Athlete
- Wakana Nagahara
- Previous Sport
- Badminton
- Accomplishments
- Two-time badminton world champion
- New Sport
- Pickleball
- Sponsor
- JOOLA Japan