Post by : Meena Ariff

Photo: Reuters

Pickleball, a sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is becoming one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing games. What started as a small backyard sport is now becoming a major event, bringing together people from different backgrounds and countries. The sport is easy to learn, fun to play, and open to people of all ages. Now, Malaysia is playing a big role in helping the sport grow across Asia.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli praised the rise of pickleball in the country, saying it has helped build stronger communities and has provided more opportunities for young people to get active.

From Small Courts to a Major Event

Deputy Minister Adam Adli said that the growth of pickleball in Malaysia has been fast and exciting. He explained that pickleball can now be found in community centers, schools, public parks, and social events. More people are picking up paddles and giving the sport a try.

“It’s simple to start, thrilling to master, and most importantly, it brings people together,” Adam said. “You can be young or old, a beginner or experienced – everyone can enjoy pickleball.”

Because the game is easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment, it is popular with families, students, and older adults alike. The sport fits perfectly with the Ministry’s goal of encouraging healthy living, especially among the youth.

“For us at the ministry, this sport matches our mission. We want to make communities healthier and give young Malaysians more chances to compete and shine,” he added.

World Pickleball Championship Comes to Malaysia

Malaysia is now hosting its biggest-ever pickleball event: the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Asian Grand Slam. This is the first time this international tournament has been held in the country, and it is drawing attention from around the world.

The tournament is taking place at The Pickle Grounds in Bandar Utama, Kuala Lumpur, from Tuesday to Sunday. Over 1,500 athletes from 20 different countries and regions have come to Malaysia to compete. This is the largest pickleball event in Malaysia’s history and also the biggest WPC tournament held anywhere in the world so far.

“This is more than just medals and matches,” said Adam. “Events like this create real impact. They help our tourism, our economy, and they show the world that Malaysia is ready to host world-class sports events.”

The championship is expected to bring in over RM30 million to the local economy. This includes hotel stays, food and drinks, transportation, and shopping by players and their supporters.

International Support and Recognition

At the launch of the tournament, Seymour Rifkind, the founder of the World Pickleball Federation, shared how surprised and happy he was with the sport’s growth in Malaysia.

“I made a prediction 13 years ago when pickleball was just a backyard game. I said it would become the fastest-growing and most popular sport in the world,” Rifkind said. “And now, look at Malaysia – it’s leading the way in Asia.”

He revealed that Malaysia is currently the fastest-growing pickleball country per population in Asia. Vietnam comes second. He praised the efforts of Malaysians in promoting the sport, especially on social media.

“Keep doing what you’re doing – it’s working,” he encouraged local players and organizers.

Who’s Playing?

Many well-known Malaysian athletes are also taking part in the tournament. Among them are Christian Didier Chin, a former top junior tennis player, and Colin Wong Wei Ming, a former national tennis player. Their participation brings more excitement and attention to the event.

The championship features many age groups and skill levels, giving a platform to players of all backgrounds. From teenagers to senior citizens, people are joining for the love of the game and the chance to represent their countries.

International players started arriving in Malaysia on Monday. The tournament is open to the public, and entry is free, making it easy for anyone to come and enjoy the matches.

What Makes Pickleball Special?

Pickleball has a few unique qualities that make it popular:

• It’s easy to learn: Beginners can start playing within minutes.
• It’s not too hard on the body: The smaller court size and light paddles make it great for older players.
• It builds community: Because people play in doubles or small groups, it’s a social activity.
• It’s affordable: You don’t need expensive shoes or gear.

These features have helped the sport grow quickly in many countries, especially in communities that want to stay active without spending too much.

Looking Ahead: Can Pickleball Be a Top Sport in Malaysia?

When asked if pickleball could become the number one sport in Malaysia, Adam Adli said it is hard to measure.

“We know it’s very popular,” he said. “But how do we define what makes a sport number one? Is it the number of players? The attention it gets? The trophies? That’s not easy to say.”

However, he remains hopeful. “With help from organizations, associations, and our partners, we believe that events like this can help pickleball become one of the top sports in the country.”

He also encouraged more schools and youth centers to add pickleball to their programs. According to him, this will help raise a new generation of Malaysian champions.

A Sport for the Future

The rise of pickleball in Malaysia shows how a simple sport can make a big difference. It brings people together, builds friendships, creates opportunities for young athletes, and even boosts the economy.

With the ongoing World Pickleball Championship and growing support from the government, Malaysia is becoming a key country in the future of pickleball in Asia.

Whether you’re a player, coach, fan, or just someone curious about trying a new sport, now is a great time to be part of the pickleball movement in Malaysia.