The Growing Popularity of Pickleball in Malaysia
Pickleball, the sport we love that takes the best elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is experiencing a surge in popularity across Malaysia. I know this surge is palpable if you're new in the sport and you hear about new courts being opened all the time, but the facts stack up.
Introduced to Malaysians in 2019, it quickly established its first registered association in Miri. Since then, it has spread to various states, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Sabah, Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak, with Miri and Kuching leading the way in organizing tournaments.
Local Events and Tournaments
The Sarawak Invitational Pickleball Tournament in Kuching has seen participation far exceeding expectations, drawing players from Singapore, Egypt, Iraq, and the United States. This tournament's success highlights the sport's growing appeal and the potential for Malaysia to become a hub for regional pickleball competitions.
The Skechers KL International Pickleball Tournament 2024 (picture from the event above), held in Kuala Lumpur, is another significant event that showcases the sport's rising prominence. This tournament attracted a diverse range of participants, including international players, further emphasizing Malaysia's growing reputation in the pickleball community. Detailed information about this tournament can be found here.
We've also seen a lot of interest in parents trying to get their children interested and improving in the sport. Our Junior Funcamp was full up hours after listing the event. International schools are also starting their own programs. This is really positive signs that this is a game that will last the test of time. It's not just a fad.
Prominent Players
A quick check on DUPR reveals many players above the score of 4.0, which wasn't the case just months ago shows how quickly players are improving their capabilities.
Growth in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
In addition to its spread in other states, pickleball is gaining traction in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The accessibility of these regions, coupled with a growing interest among both young and older players, has contributed significantly to the sport's popularity. Local clubs and associations in these areas are actively promoting the game and organizing events to increase participation.
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Finding a game is as easy as signing up on Reclub and finding an open play near you. It's affordable and a great way to improve your game playing with different set of partners and competitors.
Official Recognition
In a significant development for the sport, pickleball has been gazetted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia. This official recognition marks a milestone in the sport's development, paving the way for greater support and infrastructure development. The gazetting of pickleball means it can now be included in national sports programs and receive funding for facilities and training.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its rapid growth, pickleball faces challenges, including limited awareness and a shortage of dedicated courts. Many players still convert existing badminton or tennis courts for pickleball. However, the sport's accessibility and the active promotion by local associations are paving the way for its rise in popularity. Efforts are underway to introduce pickleball in school curriculums and organize interschool tournaments, aiming to attract younger players and elevate the sport to a competitive level.
With proper infrastructure and support, pickleball has the potential to reach the same level of popularity as badminton in Malaysia within the next few years. The ongoing efforts by associations and enthusiasts promise a bright future for the sport, potentially bringing Malaysia to the forefront of the international pickleball community.
For more insights and updates on pickleball in Malaysia, check out the detailed articles from the New Straits Times and Daily Express: