Photo Source: Facebook
In an exciting fusion of traditional and trending racquet sports, Malaysian badminton legend Chan Peng Soon is making waves in the pickleball community. The Olympic silver medalist has officially etched his name in the Malaysia Book of Records by launching the country's largest indoor air-conditioned pickleball venue on December 14, which is a huge win for pickleball in Asia!
The state-of-the-art facility, CPS Subang, located at 91 Sports Arena @ Giant USJ, boasts an impressive 18 pickleball courts alongside 16 badminton courts, creating a dynamic hub for racquet sports enthusiasts. "After retirement, I tried playing pickleball for fun but I got hooked on it," shares Chan, whose infectious enthusiasm for the sport is evident in his ambitious new venture.
Chan's journey from Olympic badminton medalist to pickleball pioneer showcases the growing appeal of this fast-paced sport. Having clinched silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics with partner Goh Liu Ying, Chan's latest adventure might just lead to another exciting chapter in his sporting career. "Who knows, one day, I may represent Malaysia in this sport!" he says with characteristic optimism.
Photo Source: The Star
A Vision for Youth Development and Multi-Sport Engagement
The facility isn't just about pickleball – it's a comprehensive sports hub that addresses the surging demand for both badminton and pickleball courts in the region. Chan has already established the CPS badminton academy to nurture young talents, and this expansion represents his commitment to sports development in Malaysia.
With support from major sponsors including Daikin, Seiko, XP Protech, and Thong Sia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the 36-year-old entrepreneur is looking ahead to hosting competitions and growing the sport's presence in Malaysia. "One of the plans is to host competitions but it all depends on our sponsors," Chan explains, highlighting the potential for future tournaments at this landmark venue.
A New Era for Pickleball in Malaysia’s Sporting Landscape
This groundbreaking facility marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's sporting landscape, bringing together the established popularity of badminton with the rising wave of pickleball enthusiasm. As both sports continue to thrive under one roof, Chan's vision for an inclusive, multi-sport facility is already becoming a reality, promising exciting opportunities for sports enthusiasts of all levels.
