Sarawak hosts 2024 Borneo pickleball tournament

Pickleball is making waves in Borneo, and Sarawak just set a new milestone by hosting the highly anticipated Borneo Pickleball International Tournament (BPIT 2024).

The event, held at PIKABOL, Asia’s largest indoor pickleball arena, attracted over 500 players and 2,000 visitors from across Southeast Asia, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal.

BPIT 2024, organised by the Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA), brought together participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei, showcasing the rising popularity of pickleball across the region.

Kuching emerges as a pickleball hub

The grand launch of the BPIT 2024 featured Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, who praised the efforts of Ruslan Bujang and his committee.

He also commended PIKABOL for its groundbreaking venue, saying, “The establishment of the largest purpose-built indoor pickleball venue in Asia puts Kuching on the global map for pickleball events.”

The tournament, coupled with PIKABOL’s opening, positions Kuching as a premier international pickleball destination, offering both athletic and tourism growth for the region.

With the support of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), KPA has successfully placed Sarawak at the centre of the pickleball movement in Southeast Asia.

A game-changer for sports tourism

Endorsed by both the Malaysia Pickleball Association and the Sarawak Pickleball Association, the BPIT 2024 is more than just a tournament—it’s a step forward for sports tourism in Sarawak.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, along with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, offered their unwavering support, signalling the state’s commitment to sports growth.

BPIT 2024 chairman Ruslan Bujang expressed gratitude to key sponsors such as the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Skechers, and Starbucks.

“Our partners have been crucial in making this tournament a success, and we are confident Sarawak will continue to attract pickleball players from all over the world,” he stated.

Oscar Choo, Managing Director of PIKABOL, shared his vision for the arena, which aims to become Malaysia’s pickleball powerhouse. “PIKABOL will be the place where aspiring players can learn from the best and seasoned veterans can elevate their game.

We want to create an environment that fosters excellence and inspires a new generation of pickleball athletes,” he explained.

As the tournament concludes on October 13, 2024, visitors are encouraged to join the festivities, explore the exhibition booths, and contribute to the local community by donating books for rural areas.

With the success of BPIT 2024, Kuching has firmly established itself as a leading destination for pickleball in Asia.