Selangor Plans To Introduce Pickleball In SUKMA 2026
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the sport is expected to see 100 million new players in Asia in the next five years.
By May Vin Ang — 18 Nov 2024, 10:10 AM
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari said the state plans to introduce the increasingly popular sport of pickleball as a medal event in the 2026 Malaysian Games (SUKMA)
According to Bernama, he said Asia is expected to become a global hub for pickleball, with an estimated 100 million new players in the next five years.
"One of the interesting facts about pickleball is its inclusiveness. Everyone can take part, regardless of their age or gender," he told the state assembly in Shah Alam during the tabling of the state budget on Friday, 15 November.
"Selangor intends to become the first state to organise pickleball at SUKMA when it hosts the 2026 edition," he stated.
Amirudin said the state government also plans to organise a pickleball festival and tournament to attract more visitors in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025
He said school and district-level competitions will also be held to boost interest in the sport among young people and nurture new talent.
Amiruddin added RM1 million has been allocated for local authorities to build more pickleball courts in public parks, especially by converting outdoor badminton courts, as he said badminton is better played indoors.
He also announced a RM6 million allocation to implement a sports development programme to ensure the Selangor contingent is prepared for SUKMA 2026.
