(Press Release) — The Pickleball Federation of the Northern Mariana Islands has announced the six Open Division athletes selected to represent the Commonwealth at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup.
Chosen to compete for Team CNMI are Mikayla Lopez, Chelsea Henzon, Joan Henzon, Ernie Henzon, Sean Ficke, and Richard Asuncion. The selection marks a significant achievement for the athletes and highlights the continued growth of pickleball throughout the Northern Mariana Islands.
The 2026 Pickleball World Cup will be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 through September 6, 2026. The tournament marks the first time the prestigious international event will be hosted in Asia and is expected to attract nearly 4,000 athletes from more than 80 countries competing in both national and individual divisions.
Federation officials noted that ongoing fundraising efforts will determine the final size of the CNMI delegation traveling to Vietnam. While the goal is to send all six selected players, financial limitations may require the team to be reduced to four competitors.
“We are hopeful that our fundraising efforts will allow us to take all six players,” the Federation stated. “The players who were not chosen are still a valuable part of the National Team.”
The Federation encouraged all athletes to continue training and preparing for future opportunities, noting that additional international competitions are being explored for Team CNMI.
Beyond the competition itself, Federation leaders view participation in the World Cup as a historic opportunity for the Commonwealth. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and is expected to make its Olympic debut at the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. As the sport continues its rapid international expansion, the World Cup provides a global platform for emerging nations and territories to showcase their talent and national pride.
For the CNMI, competing on the world stage represents more than athletic achievement. Federation officials believe the opportunity carries significant value for island morale, community pride, and international visibility. With thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators from around the world participating, and a growing global audience following the sport, Team CNMI’s presence offers a chance to highlight the Commonwealth and inspire the next generation of local athletes.
“This is a pinnacle moment for the CNMI,” Federation leaders said. “The opportunity to compete against the world’s best players while representing our islands on an international stage demonstrates how far our pickleball community has come in just six years.”
On behalf of the Federation’s Board of Directors, congratulations were extended to the six selected athletes for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to representing the Commonwealth on the international stage.
The announcement comes as the CNMI pickleball community approaches its sixth anniversary. What began as a small local sport has grown into a thriving community of players competing at increasingly higher levels of competition.
Federation leaders also expressed appreciation to the many players, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who have helped build and sustain the sport over the years.
“Thank you to all of our pickleball family for your commitment and perseverance as we approach our sixth anniversary of pickleball in the CNMI,” the Federation said. As Team CNMI prepares for its journey to Vietnam, the athletes will continue training and fundraising with hopes of showcasing the Commonwealth’s talent, resilience, and spirit on one of pickleball’s biggest international stages.
