Think you know sports? Think again! Bolton’s very own Markland Hill Racquets Club just swept the English Open Pickleball tournament with a staggering TEN medals! From local courts to national fame, it seems Bolton isn’t just playing; it’s defining the game. With the English Nationals coming up, could Bolton truly be the undisputed capital of UK Pickleball?
Bolton has once again solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, with local players achieving an extraordinary medal haul at the prestigious English Open tournament.
The event, held recently in Telford, serves as the largest competition of its kind outside the Uniteds States, the sport’s birthplace, attracting an elite field of international talent.
Leading the charge was the formidable Markland Hill Racquets Club, whose dedicated athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship to secure an impressive ten medals across various categories.
This significant achievement was part of a massive five-day sporting spectacle, drawing over 2,300 participants from more than 40 different nations to the Telford International Centre, underscoring the global appeal and competitive intensity of pickleball.
Among the standout performers from Markland Hill, club coach Lindsey Hammond showcased her prowess on the court, earning a well-deserved silver medal alongside her partner Sian Burgess in the highly competitive 3.5 35-plus ladies’ doubles division.
Bolton’s consistent high-level performance is no accident; the region has meticulously cultivated a thriving pickleball community, fostering talent and promoting the sport with remarkable success.
This burgeoning reputation will be further amplified as Bolton prepares to host the English Nationals, the second major national competition of the year, at the state-of-the-art Bolton Arena Sports Village from October 30 to November 2.
Indeed, the BBC itself acknowledged Bolton’s pivotal role during its coverage of last year’s highly successful tournament, emphatically declaring the town as “the home of Pickleball in the UK,” a title proudly upheld by its continued competitive triumphs.
