Kuching set to host inaugural international pickleball tournament

Kuching is gearing up to welcome a groundbreaking event in the world of sports as it prepares to host the first-ever #BorneoPickleball International Tournament. With a prize pool of RM20,000, this tournament is set to become Malaysia and Borneo’s largest pickleball competition, drawing attention from across the region.

Scheduled to take place in Kuching from October 9 to 12, the tournament is expected to see the participation of approximately 500 players and attract over 2,000 visitors. This event is not just about competition but also about fostering interaction among diverse industries and communities.

In a significant move, the Kuching Pickleball Association, led by President Ruslan Bujang, has partnered with BESarawak, with the Chairman, Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, signing a Memorandum of Collaboration. BESarawak has been appointed as the Exclusive Strategic Advisor for the tournament, aiming to develop it into a sustainable and gold-standard international event.

The endorsement of the tournament spans both association and governmental levels. The Malaysia Pickleball Association and Sarawak Pickleball Association have extended their support at the association level, while at the governmental level, it is backed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.

A catalyst for community engagement

Speaking at a press conference, the Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, underscored the profound impact of the upcoming #BorneoPickleball International Tournament on Sarawak’s sports landscape and tourism sector.

Highlighting the tournament’s significance, Dato Sri Abdul Karim emphasized its role in bolstering Sarawak’s profile in sports and sports tourism. “With more sports associations developing new events in Sarawak, we attract new investments in sports facilities and infrastructure,” he remarked. He further emphasized the importance of education, engagement, collaboration, and inclusion in growing and sustaining sporting communities, underscoring the ethos behind the pickleball tournament.

As the Exclusive Strategic Advisor, BESarawak is committed to ensuring the tournament’s sustainability and lasting legacy. Chairman Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg expressed optimism about the tournament’s potential legacy, noting its outreach beyond the competition itself. “The Tournament’s outreach goes beyond the competition itself as the Kuching Pickleball Association partners with us to include the ‘Books Build Legacy’ corporate social responsibility programme with a target of 2,000 book donations in aid of Sarawak’s rural schools,” he announced, shedding light on the tournament’s broader societal impact.

President Ruslan Bujang echoed the sentiments of inclusivity and community engagement, emphasizing pickleball’s role in promoting an active lifestyle and fostering connections across communities. “The Tournament is a great opportunity for cross-cultural exchange between Malaysian and International communities; bridging the worlds of sports and education through this tournament, where players compete while making meaningful contributions to local communities,” he stressed, underlining the tournament’s multifaceted impact.

Elevating the pickleball experience

The tournament will feature three main categories: Open (Team), Women’s Single, and Novice categories, each offering opportunities for players of varying skill levels. Partnerships with entities such as Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia Airlines, and various hotels and travel agencies ensure a seamless experience for participants and visitors alike.

This event underscores Sarawak’s commitment to leveraging business events for long-term positive impacts, aligning with the state’s post-COVID-19 development strategy for economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability by 2030.

Registration for the tournament is open until August 31, 2024. Interested parties can register for a Pickleball Global ID on the official website and stay updated on tournament details through BESarawak’s Facebook page.