November 13, 2026 — The inaugural MLP Asia officially gets underway in Japan today, marking an important milestone in the professional development of pickleball across Asia. Team Kumpoo athletes Lingwei Kongand Longsheng Liuwill represent the Dragon Warriors, with Lingwei Kong serving as team captain as they compete for the league’s first championship title.

Boasting the highest-calibre field in Asia, as a major expansion of the Major League Pickleball (MLP) professional league system into Asia, the inaugural MLP Asia brings together six top teams from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. More than a cross-border showdown among Asia’s top pickleball teams, the league signals a new era of highly professional, team-focused competition for the sport across the region.

The league also stands out for its demanding competition format. Unlike traditional individual knockout tournaments, MLP Asia adopts a professional team-based format that combines individual skills, doubles coordination and team tactics. Each team match consists of four doubles matches, including women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles, placing a premium on teamwork, chemistry and tactical execution.

The competition becomes even more intense when the score is tied at 2–2 after the four doubles matches. The tie is then decided by a singles tiebreaker, with players from both teams taking turns in singles matches. The first side to reach 21 points claims the victory. From doubles teamwork to a decisive singles showdown, individual ability sets the ceiling, while team cohesion determines the outcome. Every point can shape a team’s fate.

As prominent representatives of Team Kumpoo’s pickleball program, the participation of Lingwei Kong and Longsheng Liu goes beyond showcasing their individual strengths. It is also a reflection of Kumpoo’s brand spirit of “Take the Challenge.” As captain, Kong will lead the Dragon Warriors in taking on elite opponents from across Asia on this new professional stage.

Team Kumpoo wishes the Dragon Warriors unity, determination and success in the inaugural MLP Asia. May the team give its very best, rise to every challenge and achieve great results in the competition!