May 18, 2026 — Kumpoo officially signs Yufei Long, a three-time Asian Tour champion, as its brand ambassador. This milestone marks a solid step in Kumpoo’s expansion into emerging sports after years of deep cultivation in badminton, opening a brand-new chapter for its "Take the Challenge" spirit.

Born in Shenzhen in 1999, Yufei Long was once an outstanding junior tennis player. With her exceptional academic performance, she earned a Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University and received PhD offers from prestigious institutions like the University of Washington. However, the emergence of Pickleball completely reshaped her life path.

In her early days with the sport, she spent weekends driving five hours round-trip to participate in tournaments at her own expense, quietly honing her skills in obscurity. In early 2025, she joined the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program, officially turning professional. Following three months of high-intensity training in the Arizona desert, she rose to prominence by defeating top-three seeded players from the U.S. and clinching her first PPA Asia Tour title. She was subsequently selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the MLP Australia draft, solidifying her position as the premier female player in Asia.

Yufei's transition from an academic fast track to the glory of a world championship was met with skepticism by some, but she proved through her strength that true passion is worth going all-in for.

“I hope to serve as a bridge, connecting the origins of Pickleball in the United States with the heights it can reach in China.”

Having lived in the U.S. for nine years, Yufei maintains a strong sense of cultural identity. This “Chinese Heart” drove her return to Asia, aiming to bridge the gap between American sporting vitality and the immense potential for growth in Asia. Now, partnering with Kumpoo, she enters a creative phase of her life, dedicated to co-authoring the story of pickleball in China.

“Yufei Long’s crossover from an academic elite to a world champion perfectly embodies our ‘Take the Challenge’ spirit," stated Kumpoo. "Her technical prowess, international perspective, and deep understanding of the Asian market will help Kumpoo rapidly establish professional recognition in the Pickleball field. We will apply the same craftsmanship from our badminton heritage to develop high-quality Pickleball gear, promoting the sport's popularization throughout China and Asia.”