Borneo Pickleball Tournament wraps up with a bang

The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 (BPIT) has just wrapped up, and what an exciting four days it was!

Held at Pikabol, Malaysia’s pickleball powerhouse, this event highlighted the rise of pickleball in the region, attracting over 500 athletes competing fiercely for top honours.

From intense rallies to powerful smashes, the tournament delivered a stunning display of sportsmanship and athleticism.

Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who presented the awards at the closing ceremony, praised the event, saying, “The spirit of teamwork and perseverance shown throughout the tournament is truly commendable.”

This year’s BPIT wasn’t just a tournament; it was a celebration of the growing pickleball community in Malaysia.

The rise of Pickleball in Malaysia

Pickleball is steadily gaining popularity in Malaysia, and events like the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament are helping to put it on the map.

The sport, a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has grown a loyal fanbase in recent years.

BPIT 2024 saw an influx of seasoned professionals and rising stars, all competing across several categories, including the Team Event, Mixed Doubles Veteran, and Novice Double.

In the Team Event, Paragon SG claimed the top spot, defeating Paragon Perfecto in a hard-fought final.

Third and fourth places went to ESM Voltage Vipers Pickleball and Dayak Daily Berami, respectively.

Each team showed incredible skill and determination, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the competition.

The Mixed Doubles Veteran category crowned Hari Mohan and Varsha Majmudar as champions, with Moon Tan and Chong Siew Tan finishing as Runners-Up.

The Novice Doubles category saw a fierce contest as well, with Izzudin Mohd Razali and Afiq Aziz emerging victorious, showcasing the depth of talent in the pickleball community.

Growing support for Pickleball

The success of this year’s tournament was not only due to the athletes but also the strong support from sponsors and associations.

BPIT 2024 was backed by key organisations like the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Sarawak Energy Berhad, and Starbucks, alongside the Malaysia and Sarawak Pickleball Associations.

According to BPIT Chairman Ruslan Bujang, “Our partners’ unwavering support was crucial in making this tournament a standout event on Malaysia’s sporting calendar.”

This collaborative effort from sponsors and local associations helped create a world-class experience for both players and spectators.

Plans for the next BPIT are already in motion, with hopes that pickleball will continue its rapid growth across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Sarawak, in particular, is emerging as a hub for the sport, attracting international players and boosting sports tourism in the region.

The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of the passion and dedication driving pickleball’s rise in Malaysia.

With increasing support from sponsors, associations, and local communities, the sport’s future looks bright. If you haven’t yet caught the pickleball fever, now’s the time!