Credits to: Borneo Post
Sibu marked a national first as the Sibu Division Inter-School Pickleball Tournament 2025 opened at the SMI Pickleball Centre, a two-day championship featuring 16 teams from 13 secondary schools, organized by the Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA). The ceremony was officiated by Bukit Assek assemblyman and SPA president Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
According to Malaysian Pickleball Association acting president Delima Ibrahim, the event is believed to be the first inter-secondary school pickleball competition in Malaysia.
“Sibu has made history today, and each of you young players is a pioneer of this achievement,” said Delima Ibrahim.
Chieng saluted the sport’s momentum in Malaysia and its impact on youth development. “It is easy to learn, fun to play, and most importantly, it builds discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” said Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
The surge is quantifiable. On April 30, 11 secondary schools in Sibu officially formed pickleball clubs—what Chieng called “a remarkable start” for youth sport development. On June 7, SPA ran a Level 1 Certified Coaches Course with 34 trainees, including two from Kuching and four from Sarikei; all completed the program, he added.
Chieng urged athletes to pair ambition with values. “Through this competition, I hope our students will not only compete with passion, but also learn the values of sportsmanship—respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and the game itself,” said Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
Credits to: Borneo Post
Beyond medals, the tournament doubles as a talent ID platform. SPA will select players for the Sibu Under-18 team from the event, with Chieng expressing confidence that new stars will rise to represent Sibu, Sarawak, and even Malaysia at national and international levels.
The association also thanked the education community and sponsors for powering the debut. Chieng recognized the Sibu District Education Office, principals, teachers, coaches, and team managers for nurturing young athletes. He further acknowledged main sponsors WTK, KTS, Grolite Group, and Chickilicious for making the inaugural competition possible and “showing commitment to youth and sports development in our community.”
Also present at the opening were Kong Chiong Hui (Sibu District Education Office deputy officer, Student Development Sector), Desmond Kang (WTK Holdings Berhad), Councillor Kevin Lau (KTS Trading Sdn Bhd), Aaron Song (Quantum Evershine Sdn Bhd), Zon Hii (Chickilicious Sdn Bhd), tournament director Councillor Kiing Teck Ho, and chief referee Daniel Ing, who also serves as president of the Lanang Pickleball Club.
Pickleball in Sibu
Pickleball’s school-based footprint is expanding in Sarawak, and Sibu just set a template for structured youth pathways that turns everyday participation into performance without raising barriers. Sibu’s pickleball story isn’t a flash of novelty—it’s a movement with roots.
