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Malaysia smashes a fresh sporting milestone today as the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Asia Pickleball Grand Slam opens on the courts at The Pickle Grounds, One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya. Over the next five days (July 16 – 20), more than 1,500 athletes from 20 countries and regions will battle for glory in what is now the largest WPC tournament—and the biggest pickleball event—ever held in Malaysia.
“A milestone moment” for Malaysian sport
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli praised pickleball’s meteoric rise from community courts to global showpieces:
“We’ve seen pickleball grow rapidly here in Malaysia, from school programs to public events. It is simple to start, thrilling to master, and—most importantly—it brings people together.”
He added that pickleball’s inclusivity meshes perfectly with the ministry’s push for healthier, more connected communities:
“This sport aligns with our broader mission: to strengthen community well-being and provide young Malaysians with more platforms to compete and succeed.”
Economic forecasts suggest the championship will pump about RM30 million (≈ US$6.3 million) into local tourism and business.
Malaysia tops Asia’s pickleball growth charts
World Pickleball Federation founder Seymour Rifkind confirmed Malaysia is now Asia’s fastest-growing pickleball market, crediting social-media buzz and grassroots programs for the surge.
What you need to know
- Purpose-built rooftop courts, creating a dramatic backdrop for every rally.
- Competitions span men’s, women’s, mixed doubles, and age divisions from juniors to 60+.
- Spectator entry is free all week, reflecting pickleball’s open-door ethos.
Why pickleball is winning Malaysia’s heart
- Low barrier to entry — affordable gear and a quick learning curve make pickup games easy.
- All-ages appeal — grandparents often rally alongside grandkids.
- Community culture — weekly socials and school programs nurture new players.
- Government backing — the sport supports national health and youth-development goals.
Looking ahead
Malaysia is serving notice that it intends to remain one of Asia’s pickleball powerhouses. The WPC Asia Pickleball Grand Slam isn’t just a spectacle—it’s set to launch the sport into an even more electric future, proving that pickleball’s most exhilarating chapters are still to come.
As Malaysia cements its place in Asia’s pickleball rise, stay updated on the sport’s momentum, players, and tour stops at the Pickle Asia
