Kuala Lumpur, April 18, 2024 — Pickleball, initially a niche American pastime, has burst onto the Malaysian sports scene, but it’s not without controversy. The fast-paced racquet sport, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity, with over 10,000 active players in just one year.

Growing Pains and Backlash

While pickleball offers an accessible and dynamic alternative to traditional racquet sports, it’s not winning over everyone. As more courts dedicated to pickleball spring up, often at the expense of existing tennis and badminton facilities, purists are raising concerns.

We encountered resistance early on, with some operators rejecting our requests due to fears the ball would damage the surface. But we’ve always made sure to remove the tape markings after each session.
Farrel Choo, President, Malaysian Pickleball Association

Criticisms range from visual disruption to potential wear and tear on shared courts. Moreover, the high cost of renting pickleball courts, with rates reaching up to RM70 an hour, is another sticking point among players.

Not Just a Fad?

Despite the challenges, the Malaysian Pickleball Association (MPA) is bullish about the sport’s long-term prospects. President Farrel Choo believes that as more dedicated facilities are built, costs will reduction, and the sport will continue to grow.

“In the United States, 14% of the population plays pickleball. Our target is to reach 10% of Malaysia’s population within the next decade,” he confidently stated.

Expansion Ahead

Looking ahead, the MPA is exploring new avenues for expansion, including lobbying for pickleball’s inclusion in future editions of the Malaysia Games (Suoim Olimpik Malaysia). In July, the association will host the inaugural pickleball Malaysia Open in Sarawak, attracting local and international players.

FAQs

How old is pickleball?

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

What is the largest pickleball tournament?

The Miles of Miracles Pickleball Tournament, held in Florida, USA, is the largest, with over 2,000 players in 2020.

Love it or hate it, pickleball is here to stay. As purists of traditional racquet sports bemoan the changes, pickleball enthusiasts are busy making new history in Malaysia. With targeted growth and strategic expansion, the MPA aims to make pickleball a permanent fixture in the Malaysian sports landscape.

Have you tried pickleball yet? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.