KUCHING: In an electrifying debut at the 2025 Pickleball Piala Pusingan YB Datuk Seri Hajjah Nancy Shukri (PDSNS), both Pikabol Podium Ace and Podium Project teams have proved their mettle.
This underscored the impressive growth of the athletes under the Pikabol Podium Coaching Programme and the pragmatic performances showed by them.
The Pikabol Podium Ace team, a mix of experienced and emerging talents — including Izzul Aizuddin, Emilio David, Adam Ashraf, Hii Kuong Sing, Liong Woei Hua, Eugenia David, Athilia Miasara, and Klarissa Amelia Bong — targeted a podium finish, and in which they succeeded.
Their spirited effort earned them 3rd place, a remarkable accomplishment that underscores their unity and hard work.
Meanwhile, the Podium Project team, designed to provide competitive experience to players from the Pikabol Podium Coaching Programme, exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stages and securing an impressive 12th place.
Featuring Elson Lee, Kho Ru Jie, Muhd Asyraff Ahmad Sairi, Lai Kim Leong, Tailend Muchi, Soo Hua Huat, Claudia Nasha Chai, and Tammy Goriss, the team proved that with the right platform, even newcomers can rise to the challenge.
The Pikabol Podium Ace players also excelled in the Individual Events. Emilio finished as runner-up in the Men’s Singles, Izzul claimed third, and Liong Woei Hua took fourth.
In the Mixed Doubles (Age 80+), Izzul, who partnered up with Yanling Ng, secured fourth place. Eugenia and Klarissa were runners-up in the Women’s Doubles, while Athilia and Nazerene Salleh Arif took third.
These achievements are a testament to the strength of the Pikabol Podium Coaching Programme, an initiative led by Coach Emmanuel David — known fondly as Coach Ujai.
His ability to blend diverse playing styles and foster a spirit of teamwork has been central to the programme’s success.
Coach Ujai emphasised the importance of creating a balanced team, where players of varying backgrounds and experiences come together, offering fresh challenges and excitement for all involved.
The Pikabol Podium Coaching Programme expresses its sincere gratitude to its sponsors and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Podium Project in the future.
The 2025 Pickleball Piala Pusingan YB Datuk Seri Hajjah Nancy Shukri was held from Friday, Jan 17 to Jan 19, at various venues, including Damai Beach Resort, Dewan Santubong, Wisma Sabati, Dewan Sungai Lumut, and RB Homestay and Farms.
