Addictive and thrilling: Pickleball could be the Invictus Games' next landmark sport

The Invictus Games is on the home stretch towards the 2027 event in Birmingham and along for the ride are a few new sports.

Esports is a logical inclusion with a huge number of people already involved in the sport while Laser Run promises to be a mix of controlled chaos.

However, there was one sport that everybody was talking about at the One Year to Go event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and that was pickleball.

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A mix between tennis, badminton and table tennis, the sport was something nobody could resist including Prince Harry in. While some sports such as wheelchair rugby, cycling and wheelchair basketball have become landmark Invictus events, pickleball could be the next main event.

"It's quite addictive," said Invictus Games bronze medallist Samantha May. "I didn't think I'd be any good at it because I wasn't very good at tennis growing up, but actually it's really good fun.

"I think pickleball might be one to stay. I think the addictive nature of pickleball might be what holds on to people."

Dave Henson captained Team UK at the inaugural Invictus Games in London in 2014 and he's equally excited about the prospect of the sport.

He said: "Actually, I think it's a super-addictive sport. I've never played pickleball before in my life, but it's great fun and I'll be back on the court later on."

Perhaps the most endearing quality of the sport is that it really is truly for everyone. Invictus Games ambassador Johnny Ball said: "It's for both wheelchair users and those that don't need a chair.

"And it's where you can play it together, as well, of all abilities. But moreover, what we're introducing are people to people. We've seen people from all parts of the community, right across the global Armed Forces community."