They wanted to host an international pickleball tournament on SLC’s west side. The Trump admin denied some players’ visas.

Salt Lake City’s Pacific Islander community connects through pickleball, but Tongans who wanted to come play faced visa denials, potential bond fees and questioning about their trip.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Soni Laumape plays in open play during an international pickleball tournament for Pacific Islanders hosted by the Glendale club The Die Hard Pickleballerz in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.