KUCHING: As pickleball continues its rapid ascent, attracting enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life, questions about its longevity and impact are beginning to loom.
Will this thrilling sport establish itself as a lasting phenomenon, or will it fade away like many short-lived trends?
This year, pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed, capturing the attention of players and fans alike.
Originating in the United States, the sport has made remarkable inroads globally, with Malaysia — particularly Sarawak — embracing it enthusiastically.
Courts are springing up across cities and towns, while even traditional badminton courts are being repurposed to accommodate the game’s growing demand.
What sets pickleball apart is its ability to attract players from a variety of racquet sports, including tennis, squash, and table tennis. Its fast-paced nature and ease of entry make it an enticing option for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
However, pickleball’s charm extends beyond the court. It has evolved into a lifestyle, drawing a diverse community with its blend of strategy, fitness, and fun. The sport also boasts a social element, fostering connections and camaraderie among players.
With its straightforward learning curve yet challenging mastery, pickleball appeals across generations.
Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or even 60s, it offers a dynamic way to stay active while providing a refreshing alternative to more traditional sports.
Sarawak Tribune explores the sport’s appeal and rising popularity through interviews with its players.
Chris Bishop, secretary of the Berami Pickleball Club, recently shared his insights on the rapid rise of pickleball, a sport gaining traction among players of all ages and backgrounds.
Chris pointed out that pickleball, a sport that could be played by individuals as young as 30 and as old as 70, offers an accessible and enjoyable option for people from all walks of life.
“No doubt, this sport is a game that anyone can pick up. We see people transitioning from tennis and other sports, even those in their 50s and 60s,” Chris said.
Chris’ own journey into pickleball began several years ago, after a tennis-playing friend introduced him to the game.
“At first, I didn’t understand what to do with the plastic ball. But my friend kept insisting, bringing the paddle and the net, and soon enough, I was hooked,” he recalled.
After just one game, Chris recognised the sport’s appeal, especially for tennis players, and soon became part of the first generation of pickleball players.
Pickleball began taking off in Miri for about four years. Initially attracting a small group, mostly tennis players, it has since grown to include people from various backgrounds all over the nation.
“As for our group, we started with just a few players, but now we play almost every night. They are not just tennis players— players who’ve never played any racket sport before are also getting involved,” Chris said.
The sport’s inclusivity and accessibility have led to its spread across different communities, with more schools, including those in Kuching, integrating pickleball into their sports curricula.
“With the Ministry of Education supporting this, schools can now set up pickleball clubs, offering students a chance to earn points for their participation,” he explained.
Chris believes that pickleball’s growth in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, would continue to thrive, and with the increasing interest, the sport was poised to become one of the country’s top recreational activities in the years to come.
Looking ahead, Chris remains optimistic about the future of pickleball in Malaysia, especially with the upcoming 2026 SUKMA in Selangor.
Claudia Chai, a vibrant 33-year-old Chinese-Bidayuh, has been a dedicated insurance agent at Prudential Insurance for a decade.
But it is not just her career that has been thriving — since picking up pickleball in May 2024, she has found a new passion that transforms her life.
Attracted to the sport’s rapid growth and the beginner friendly playthrough, Chai quickly became hooked by it.
“I love everything about it — the community, meeting new people, and seeing how players from tennis and badminton are seamlessly transitioning to pickleball,” she shared.
Playing nearly every day, Chai takes to the court after work, and on weekends, she’s often up early for a match if time wills it.
Whether it is with her club or an open playing session with fellow enthusiast, she is always ready for a game.
“I am very grateful to my friends for introducing me to pickleball. I have become completely addicted — in the best way possible.
“This sport has completely changed my lifestyle. I used to drink and smoke a lot, but pickleball has given me a healthier and more positive focus.
“It has been a game-changer, both on and off the court,” she said elatedly.
Another player swept up by the pickleball fever is Ariqah Rejab, who was drawn to pickleball because it seemed like the perfect mix of fun, fitness, and socialising.
“A friend invited me to try it about four months ago, and from that point on I found myself completely immersed in it ever since.”
She then shared how she quickly picked up the game.
“I started by learning the basics from my friend, and then I practised tirelessly, playing with different people. I also turned to online tutorials to sharpen my skills,” she added.
What keeps her coming back for more is the blend of strategy, skills, and physical activity.
“It is an incredible way to stay fit, and I love the social aspect — meeting new people and building connections through the game,” she said.
The 29-year-old has also stepped up her game by competing in a couple of local tournaments.
“The experience was both thrilling and challenging. It pushed me to improve and boosted my confidence. The best part was the supportive community — it made the whole journey so enjoyable,” she said.
Another more fan of the fast-paced game is Syazwan Heikle Bakry, 31, who said that pickleball was the perfect combination of fun, speed, and challenge — easy to pick up, yet still pushing you to improve.
“I came from football to pickleball, hahaha!” he said with a grin.
Syazwan took up pickleball in June 2024, thanks to a friend’s invitation.
“What I love most is how the game blends strategy with quick reflexes. Every game is fast-paced and intense, but there is also a social aspect of it that made it so much fun. I get to play with friends, all while testing my skills and aiming to get better,” he said.
For Syazwan, the sense of camaraderie is key.
“The community aspect is amazing. It is not just about the competition — it is about building connections. But of course, the competition adds a thrill that made every match exciting.”
Syazwan has already dipped his toes into tournament play, and the experience is nothing short of electrifying.
“It was an exhilarating experience! Competing against others pushed me to elevate my game. The atmosphere was charged, but it was so much fun. I learned a ton from each match, and I can’t wait to dive into more tournaments and see how far I can go,” he added.
Ultimately, pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Malaysia, attracting diverse players and building a vibrant community. With growing support, it looked set to become a lasting part of the country’s sports scene.
