Sarawak set to host largest Pickleball Tournament

Sarawak is gearing up to host the #BorneoPickleball International Tournament, the biggest pickleball competition in Malaysia and Borneo.

Scheduled for October 9th-12th, 2024, the event anticipates participation from approximately 500 players and 2,000 visitors.

Building a sustainable, international event

Organized by the Kuching Pickleball Association with strategic support from BESarawak, the tournament aims to become a sustainable and gold-standard international event.

Endorsed by relevant sports and tourism ministries at both national and state levels, the competition seeks to establish Sarawak as a premier sports tourism destination.

Pickleball’s inclusivity across age groups and skill levels makes it an ideal sport for fostering community engagement.

The tournament welcomes participation from corporations, government agencies, associations, clubs, and individuals.

Strengthening sports tourism profile of Sarawak

Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister for Youth, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted the tournament’s significance.

“This event strengthens Sarawak’s position as a sports and sports tourism destination. As the recent SUKMA 2024 host, we are already in the spotlight. The Borneo Pickleball Tournament showcases our ability to organize global sporting events and build our image as a sports tourism hub.”

BESarawak, as the strategic advisor, aims to guide the Kuching Pickleball Association in creating a recurring event that leaves a lasting legacy.

Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, BESarawak’s Chairman, emphasised this vision: “The tournament can become a recurring event, leaving a positive impact on both the pickleball community and Sarawak’s sports tourism.

Through the ‘Books Build Legacy’ program, the tournament extends its outreach by aiming to donate 2,000 books to rural schools, highlighting the importance of community development.”

Ruslan Bujang, President of the Kuching Pickleball Association, underscored the social aspects of the tournament: “Pickleball promotes stress management, healthy lifestyles, and new friendships.

The competition fosters cross-cultural exchange between Malaysian and international communities, bridging the worlds of sports and education by encouraging players to contribute to local communities.”

The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament promises to be a highlight for Sarawak’s sporting calendar, promoting pickleball, community engagement, and establishing the state as a leading sports tourism destination.