From the Adriatic coast to Central Europe’s hidden gems – Pickleball is thriving across a region bursting with energy, community, and creativity!

In this eighth episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we hand the mic to four inspiring voices who are shaping the game in Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia.

How do you start a pickleball scene from scratch?

What makes night sessions on the Croatian coast so special?

And how are new players turning passion into national movements across Central Europe?

WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN EPISODE 8 // 

✅ How Croatia built Europe’s largest pickleball club – from 20 players to 1,500 members

✅ Why Slovakia’s all-female leadership is redefining community & creativity (with a side of wine!)

✅ How Hungary’s federation and tournaments are paving the way for pros – including the Santa Claus Cup

✅ How two sisters are building Slovenia’s pickleball future – courts, clinics & community vibes near Lake Bled

✅ A shared vision: grassroots passion fueling Europe’s next pickleball wave

TIME STAMPS //

(00:00)–(02:40) – Intro & Episode Flight Plan
(02:41)–(08:57) – Croatia Spotlight with Natko Petresic
(10:26)–(19:13) – Slovakia Spotlight with Viktoria Kanichova
(20:16)–(31:45) – Hungary Spotlight with Bakó Bálint Gergő

(31:46)-(end) Wrap-Up & Landing

PLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //
Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:

• Natko Petresic (Croatia) – Instagram: @natko.petrisic / Club: pickleball-002.hr/split
• Viktoria Kanichova (Slovakia) – Instagram: @viki_kanich / Web: slovakpickleball.com
• Bálint Gergő Bakó (Hungary) – Instagram: @bakobalint_pb / @pickleball.hungary 
• Thea & Sandra (Slovenia) – Instagram: @tspickleball / Web:  tspickleball.si 

ABOUT RAQT //
RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.

Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.
Plan. Play. Compete.

GET IN TOUCH //
Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast or @raqtfamily