EYES locked unblinkingly at the figure in red standing across me, our paths separated only by a low net, I find myself mumbling quietly "focus, focus…", as my clammy hands tighten their grip on the bright yellow handle of my precious paddle (racket).
By my side, a picture of purpose etched on his handsome face, my partner, a Kuala Lumpur-based Iraqi by the name of Omar Adnan, wields his paddle, ready to serve. It's our first outing together as mixed-doubles partners in a competitive tournament — and my adrenaline is going into overdrive.
The sport? Pickleball. The tournament? Sarawak Invitational Pickleball Tournament in Kuching, organised by the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) and Sarawak Pickleball Association (SPA).
A badminton player by default (and tennis too, during my college days), I was introduced to the game by a dear friend, slightly over five months ago, convinced that I'd love it as much as he does. "If you like my company tonight (he'd said over our first dinner date together), then please come and join me for a game tomorrow. It's super fun. Trust meee!"
His enthusiasm was infectious…
Fast forward five months later, and here I am, in a converted badminton hall at a sports arena in Simpang Tiga, Kuching, that's emanating with the buzz of more than 193 pickleball enthusiasts and players, all ready to do battle in the various categories — Open Singles (men's and women's), Open Doubles (men's, women's and mixed) and Masters Doubles (men's, women's and mixed).
PICKLEBALL CRAZE
Pickleball, in some ways, is a hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a low net and a ball resembling a wiffle ball, it's a sport that transcends age and fitness levels.
Currently popular among the older age groups — and catapulted to superstar status with its pick-up among former tennis legends such as John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf and even Maria Sharapova — the sport's simplicity and accessibility are driving its global appeal.
Although pickleball may still be considered an "under-the-radar" sport in Malaysia, it has actually been around for almost 60 years. Today, the International Federation of Pickleball boasts 70 member countries, with Malaysia joining as an associated member back in November 2019.
Recently named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the US Sports and Fitness Industry Association, it has attracted nearly five million players, who actively participate in tournaments and leagues around the world.
HUGE POTENTIAL
Although as a sport its journey has only just begun, it's potential is undeniable, believes Ahmad Rodzli Hashim, the tournament director of the Sarawak Pickleball Association. He also serves as the technical director of the Malaysian Pickleball Association.
Having just completed a players' briefing in the vast arena just minutes earlier, the affable Rodzli looks rather overwhelmed by the huge turnout.
"I never expected the numbers would reach this high," he confides with a smile, before sharing that this is the first time that he and his team have organised a tournament of this magnitude.
Previous outings around Miri and Kuching were on a smaller scale, it seems. The competition has even attracted international participation, with players coming from Singapore, Egypt, Iraq and also the United States.
"Pickleball made its debut in Malaysia in 2019, with the first registered association established in Miri," elaborates the Kuching-born 65-year-old, adding that today, it's Miri and Kuching leading the charge in organising tournaments.
Despite its growing popularity, Rodzli tells me that the level of awareness for the sport in the country remains low. "The association has been actively promoting the game across various states, including Sabah, Penang, Johor, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan and of course, Sarawak. But, some states like Kelantan and Perlis have yet to fully embrace pickleball."
One of the challenges faced isn't, to my surprise, funding. It's in fact dedicated pickleball courts, says this former lecturer. "We have to convert existing badminton courts or tennis courts in order to play. This numbers among one of the critical factors for the sport's growth."
Pickleball is currently viewed as a recreational game — and this is something Rodzli and his team are determined to change. "It needs to be elevated to competitive sports status," he exclaims, expression earnest.
Rodzli says that it's only when pickleball achieves that status that doors can be open for it to become part of major sporting events, including the Malaysia Games (Sukma), the Commonwealth Games and even potentially the Olympics. This will also increase its appeal to the younger generation, most of whom still view the game as something played only by older people.
In Sarawak, where pickleball has definitely been gaining momentum, several schools have introduced the sport to their curriculum.
"We're planning to organise interschool tournaments to promote the sport and attract the younger generation," shares Rodzli, before quietly adding that despite its infancy, he's optimistic about the sport's future in Malaysia.
"With proper training and coaching, I'm sure pickleball can reach the same level of popularity as badminton in maybe three to five years," he confides, before proudly adding that the Miri-based MPA will continue to be at the forefront of this effort, with the aim of preparing athletes for major international events.
NEW GENERATION OF STARS
Fresh from yet another resounding victory in his singles round, Mohd Rhushdy Supardi, a handsome 23-year-old from Miri, is in good spirits. Although modest about his achievements thus far, his excitement is palpable.
The young banker is considered among the upcoming superstars of this tournament — and I can see why if his games are anything to go by. He's practically blitzkrieg-ed every opponent in his wake with his powerful and intelligent play.
Born to an Indonesian father and Miri mother, Mohd Rhushdy discovered pickleball in 2021. A badminton player but tennis enthusiast at heart, he was drawn to the game's resemblance to his favourite sport. Shares the genial player: "I was in between jobs at the time, working part-time as a bartender and doing nothing much in between. I happened to catch something about the game on IG. Since I had no kaki to play tennis with, I decided to explore this game."
Today, he plays for a Miri-based pickleball team. "I don't get to practise as much as I like because my job is quite demanding. But I still try to fit in at least two or three practise times a week," he says. Asked what his biggest weakness is, he willingly concedes with a chuckle: "My patience. Or lack of it!"
According to Mohd Rhushdy, who cites world No.1 pickleball star American Ben Johns as his idol, he still needs to work on being more patient on the court.
"I'm impatient," he confides sheepishly, adding: "If you play tennis, you just drive and drive and drive. But pickleball is different. You need to be more patient: You drive, you draw, you bide your time. This is something I have to work on."
Smiling, he continues: "The reason why I admire Ben Johns is because he's so cool and calm on the court. His relaxed demeanour is something I want to emulate. He can beat everyone. I dream of becoming a professional pickleball player and making Malaysia proud. But first, I'll work on my patience!"
As the sport grows in popularity, perhaps more young people like Mohd Rhushdy will come onboard and contribute to Malaysia's rise in the world of pickleball. It's a sport that's certainly on the cusp of a major breakthrough. Maybe it'll become the next big sensation in the country.
Meanwhile, I'll continue with my maiden outing in this tournament with my wonderful partner. Sukma is definitely beyond my reach — and let's not even TALK about the Olympics! But I can't wait to see a new batch of young Malaysians making the country proud in this new sport!
Go to Malaysia Pickleball FB, Miri Pickleball FB or email fktchoo@gmail.com for more info on the game.
The Game
PICKLEBALL is played on a 6-by-13 metre court, which is similar in size to a doubles' badminton court. Players wield paddles that resemble a cross between a racket and an oversized ping-pong bat, with a slightly sloping 86cm net (91cm on each post) separating them. The ball is akin to a wiffle ball, but the game has since adopted two specific balls — one with 26 holes, and the other with 40 — in order to standardise the game globally.
The game incorporates a unique two-bounce rule at the start of each rally. Meanwhile, serves must be underhand and below the waistline, besides being a must to cross the net diagonally. The "no-volley" zone, known as the "kitchen", imposes restrictions on where the ball can land during serves. Players can't volley while standing in this zone.
As for the scoring, it varies. Singles can typically be played to 11 or 15 points, while doubles' matches commonly run to 15 or 21 points.