By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 21: Sarawak will make history as the host of the first-ever MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG2025), a landmark event set to position Malaysia as a premier sports tourism destination.
Organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the tournament is scheduled to be held at PIKABOL, Malaysia’s Pickleball Powerhouse in Kuching, from October 7 to 20, 2025.
Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that with an estimated 1,350 participants from Malaysia and abroad and a projected total visitor count of over 2,600, this event will bring significant economic benefits to the State, boosting tourism, hospitality, food, transport, and shopping sectors.
“Additionally, with a total prize pool of RM100,000, the largest cash prize in the region, this tournament will undoubtedly attract top-tier talent and inspire more Malaysians to take up the sport,” he said in a speech text read by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Dato Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew during a press conference held at Baitulmakmur II building today.
Meanwhile, Ting revealed that Miri has played a pivotal role in the development of pickleball in Malaysia, with the city being one of the earliest locations where the sport took root.
He noted that pickleball has rapidly gained traction in Sarawak, with several divisions now actively participating in the sport, including Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Sarikei. Nationally, pickleball has expanded across 11 states, demonstrating its growing popularity in Malaysia.
“The entry point is quite easy compared to other sports. It is relatively less aggressive, and the cost is lower. All you need is a racket and a plastic ball to get started,” he commented.
Endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, and supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development (MYSED) Sarawak as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, the event marks a significant step in promoting pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport in Malaysia.
To solidify this initiative, MATTA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Pickleball Association, cementing a long-term collaboration to develop the sport and enhance sports tourism in the country.
MPG2025 will feature various competitive categories, including team events and individual competitions in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, catering to different skill levels and age groups.
Also present were MTCP acting permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan, MATTA President Nigel Wong, and MATTA Sarawak chairman Oscar Choo. – DayakDaily
