KUCHING: Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, highlighted Sarawak’s potential to become a hotspot for international pickleball tournaments, linking the sport with the state’s tourism growth.
Speaking at PicklePro’s grand opening match showdown at PicklePro Kuching in Tabuan Laru, Snowdan highlighted the venue’s advanced mat flooring, which he believes will attract international players.
He expressed confidence that with the current setup of eight courts, Sarawak could host numerous global events in the future.
“With more courts, we could consider having events in two locations, such as here and Pikabol Malaysia in Jalan Pending.
“I strongly encourage future organisers to collaborate with our Sarawak business events to host international pickleball competitions.
“This is a trending sport that will attract more tourists and promote Sarawak indirectly through sport tourism,” Snowdan told reporters when met at PicklePro court today.
He also noted the success of last year’s Borneo Pickleball International Tournament event, which saw participation from several countries, contributing to Sarawak’s tourism numbers.
Additionally, Snowdan hopes to see an even larger turnout this year, potentially involving more countries and helping to meet the state’s target of five million tourists.
“Sport tourism offers great opportunities to blend sports with tourism, and pickleball is a perfect example of how this can work,” he added.
Snowdan affirmed the ministry’s support in promoting and organising these events to further establish Sarawak as a sports tourism destination.
Later, Snowdan also did a walkabout around the PicklePro vicinity, observing the area’s facilities.
