Kadek Lana Claims WPC Asia Pickleball Open Title for Indonesia in Thailand

Kadek Lana Lauditha topped the mixed U-18 podium at the World Pickleball Championship Asia Pickleball Open 2026, defeating the host nation's representative in the final to put Buleleng, Bali on Asia's competitive pickleball map.

The tournament ran from March 11 to 16 at The Mall Bangkapi in Bangkok, Thailand, drawing competitors from nations across the continent. Lana claimed first place in the mixed U-18 category, sealing the title with a victory over an athlete from the host nation, Thailand.

Her coach, Anak Agung Ngurah Tember Angganatha, noted that the achievement traces back to a development process that began in August 2023, with the teenager, born December 29, 2009, maintaining consistent training and showing rapid progress throughout. "Lana is a very disciplined athlete. She has a high commitment to training and always shows a desire to improve. That's what enabled her to achieve at the Asian level," said Angganatha.

Lana's participation was confirmed through an official release from the National Sports Committee (KONI) of Buleleng Regency. The win is one of the more striking results to come out of Buleleng's pickleball program, particularly given the conditions the squad trains under. Lana and her team still borrow court time at SMAN 2 Singaraja, as there is no dedicated pickleball facility in the Singaraja area.

That resource gap makes the Bangkok result harder to dismiss as a fluke. Despite reaching the top of the Asian podium, Angganatha says Lana's sights are set higher, with the Pickleball Championship League selection process next on the agenda; if she qualifies, it would mean competing in China.

Gede Dody Sukma, chair of the Buleleng Pickleball Association, stressed that high-performing athletes like Lana deserve full support from all parties. The case for that investment is sharpened by plans for Buleleng Regency to host the Bali Provincial Sports Week (Porprov Bali) in 2027. A world-class result produced from a borrowed school court is a compelling argument for building one of their own.