IMAGINE a lively court filled with laughter, friendly banter and rhythmic thwack of paddles against a plastic ball. No, it's not a scene from a high-energy sports movie but a snapshot of pickleball, the game that's taking the world – and also the elderly community — by storm.
With its blend of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is more than just a game; it's proving to be a vibrant lifeline for older adults seeking to rediscover joy, health and connection in their twilight years.
The rules are refreshingly simple, and the joy is infectious. Picture this: a smaller court, a lightweight paddle and a perforated ball that bounces just enough to keep you on your toes, but not so much that you need cat-like reflexes to keep up. For seniors, this means less strain and more fun in every match.
In Malaysia, where the ageing population is set to make up nearly 15 per cent by 2030, pickleball is emerging as a game-changer. The sport is popping up in community centres and converted warehouses, offering a fantastic way for seniors to stay active without risking injury. It's not just a sport — it's a social lifeline that's helping to combat the isolation that can come with ageing.
Beyond the surface of its fun, pickleball packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. Studies have shown that playing regularly can boost cardiovascular health, improve hand-eye coordination and enhance flexibility. For seniors, these translate into a stronger defence against chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and arthritis.
The impact on mental wellbeing is equally profound. As physical activity has long been linked to reduced depression and anxiety, pickleball stands out as a powerful antidote to the loneliness and isolation that often accompany ageing.
A 2018 study in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that seniors engaged in sports experienced higher levels of happiness, satisfaction and overall quality of life. This isn't just about playing a game — it's about rediscovering joy and purpose.
CONNECTION AND EMPOWERMENT
One of the game's most remarkable gifts is the sense of empowerment it offers. As the ageing process often comes with feelings of loss — whether it's mobility, independence, or social connections — pickleball provides a means to reclaim and revitalise these aspects of life. Mastering a new skill, competing in friendly matches and sharing moments with peers all contribute to a meaningful sense of achievement and self-worth.
In the inclusive world of pickleball, age, background and skill level fade into the background. What matters is the shared joy of the game and the respect and value each player brings to the court. For many seniors, this affirmation is a crucial reminder that they're not just spectators in life but active participants.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
What makes this sport truly special is its power to empower. As people age, they often face losses — whether it's mobility, independence, or social connections. Pickleball offers a chance to reclaim these aspects of life, fostering a sense of achievement and renewed purpose.
Whether it's nailing a perfect shot, competing in a friendly tournament, or simply enjoying a game with friends, pickleball helps seniors see themselves as active, capable and valued individuals. In a world where the elderly can sometimes feel sidelined, this sport offers a refreshing reminder that life is meant to be lived with zest and enthusiasm.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, there's an exciting opportunity to make the sport an even bigger part of senior life in this country and beyond. Perhaps investing in more public pickleball courts, organising senior-specific leagues, and promoting the sport through community centres could go a long way towards further enriching the lives of older adults.
Suffice to say, pickleball is more than just a game; it's a celebration of life at any age. It's about staying physically active, mentally sharp and socially engaged.
It's about rediscovering the joy of movement, the thrill of friendly competition, and the warmth of new friendships. As we embrace this "revolution", we're not just adding years to our lives but life to our years.
GAME REVIVAL
FOR 35 years, Ashok Kumar was a diehard tennis player, his life defined by the rhythm of serves and volleys. Yet, a spark of curiosity led him down a new path; one that would soon breathe new life into a once-dormant corner of the Kelab PJ Sports and Recreation (PJ Sports Club) in Lorong Sultan, Petaling Jaya.
It all began with a search — one of those Google quests that often leads to surprising discoveries. But Ashok was looking specifically for a sport that he'd heard whispers about. "I decided to dig deeper and stumbled upon a name: Farrell Choo."
Excitedly, he reached out to the Miri-based Choo (now president of Malaysia Pickleball Association), who, in turn, led him to Ted Thor, one of the sport's ambassadors in Peninsular Malaysia.
"Ted came over and immediately saw the potential in our unused badminton courts," recalls Ashok.
Those courts had long been neglected, abandoned to the elements and relegated to eyesore status. Yet, the idea of converting them into pickleball courts felt like a gamble worth taking. "I remember thinking, 'How will the ball bounce on this surface?'" he chuckles, adding:
"But Ted reassured me, and we took the leap."
FANTASTIC RESPONSE
In the midst of Kelab PJ's renovation talks, Ashok and his colleague, Gopi Pillay, who was then the main point person, saw an opportunity.
Brows furrowing, he recalls: "We were looking at how to revamp the space, and I proposed we invest a modest sum to transform the old badminton courts. We spent about RM25,000 on the conversion. It wasn't much, but it was a gamble we were willing to take."
The results were nothing short of extraordinary. "Despite having 10 other sports available at the club, which include badminton, darts, pool, hockey, football and golf, pickleball quickly became a hit," shares Ashok, beaming broadly.
The response was fantastic, far beyond what they'd expected.
Continuing, he shares: "We have 60 people signed up, with ages ranging from 50 to over 80. I'm 71 myself, and Gopi, who's 70, plays here every day. It's incredible."
As the pickleball court buzzed with activity from 4pm to 11pm daily, the club itself transformed. "What was once a quiet space is now a vibrant hub," confides Ashok, pride lacing his tone.
Today, pickleball has become more than just a game at Kelab PJ — it's a symbol of rejuvenation and community spirit.
"Pickleball has brought a new energy to our club. It's amazing how a simple sport can create such a lively and welcoming atmosphere," Ashok enthuses.
Through this journey, he has discovered that sometimes, the smallest changes can yield the most remarkable results. "Pickleball has not only revived an old part of our club but has also reconnected people and given us all a new lease on life," he concludes.
COUCH POTATO TO PIONEER
It was late 2018 and Salbiah Ibrahim, or Rose as she's fondly known, was enjoying a rare moment of leisure in her hometown of Miri, Sarawak. Over a casual lunch at the Gymkhana Club with her siblings, an unexpected sound drifted through the air — a series of rhythmic "twacks" emanating from the nearby badminton hall.
Curiosity piqued, the group ventured over to investigate. Recalls Rose, smiling warmly: "We saw this man teaching kids with these funny paddles and plastic balls. We were intrigued and asked him what game they were playing."
The answer was "pickleball", a sport so novel to them that it sparked an immediate desire to try it out. "The first time we played, the ball was bouncing everywhere — up to the ceiling and back," remembers the svelte 68-year-old, eyes twinkling at the memory. "But despite our initial clumsiness, I was hooked. After that, I couldn't get enough."
The Sarawakian's long history with racket sports — tennis, ping pong, and badminton — seemed like the perfect prelude to her new pickleball passion. "I'd been playing other racket games for years," she says, "but pickleball quickly became my favourite. It's so easy to pick up, and it's changed my life".
Since her introduction to the game, her days, chuckles Rose, have been transformed. "I play almost every day now. People call me from different groups asking for lessons or just to play. I actually love coaching the 'newbies' to the game."
The impact on her physical well-being has been profound, she confides. "I feel stronger and more energised. Before, I was like a couch potato, always in front of the TV. Now, I'm always dressed in my sports attire and ready to go. I can play for hours and not feel tired. Sometimes I wish I'd started this much earlier!"
DEFYING STEREOTYPES
Her enthusiasm for pickleball extends beyond its physical benefits. "It's not just about staying fit. It's about being part of a community," explains Rose, adding: "This sport has this amazing way of bringing people together. It doesn't matter if you're young or old; everyone's welcome on the court. I've made friends from all over the country, and I can call them up wherever I am."
She's also keen to challenge age-related stereotypes. "Many people think that after 60, you can't handle most sports. But pickleball is perfect for us," Rose says, adding: "It's played on a court the size of a badminton court, which makes it accessible. I've played with people in their 70s and 80s, and they're fantastic. Plus, it's the one sport where you can actually beat players younger than yourself!"
Being involved in pickleball has also opened doors to travel and social connections. "We get invited to friendly tournaments everywhere," enthuses Rose, continuing: "There's always something on the calendar. And those monthly medals from ESM (a pickleball tournament organised by ESM Internationale, a leading boutique sports firm), they're a great motivation!"
Her background is as colourful as her current passion. Before retiring, Rose had a distinguished career as a geological specialist with Shell and later in the hotel industry. "I love sports and music," she says, simply.
Adding, she confides: "I eat everything, so I need to exercise to keep fit. But I'm not a gym person at all so I play pickleball. My siblings are nuts about this game too. We're a family of 10 girls and three boys, and everyone except the eldest two play this game. It's become a family tradition!"
Rose's first experience playing at this cosy venue in Kelab PJ has only added to her excitement. "I'm thrilled to be here," she exclaims, before concluding: "Pickleball has given me a new lease on life, and I hope to keep playing until I'm 100!"
REDEFINING HIS GOLDEN YEARS
In a cosy corner of Kelab PJ, away from the incessant "twacking" sound of balls being hit, Michael Robin Jayesuria, or Robin as he's better known, reflects on a time when his sporting world was put on hold.
It was late 2020, and the pandemic had locked down most recreational activities. "We couldn't play squash or table tennis; everything was closed," recalls the genial 82-year-old, elaborating: "But then I remembered pickleball, a sport I'd heard about during a squash tournament in the United States back in 2018."
His initial encounter with the game had been brief. During a Masters game in the US, a fellow Malaysian had mentioned something about it to him, but it hadn't captured his attention then. "We were so engrossed in squash that pickleball was just a footnote," he admits.
The pandemic, however, created an unexpected opportunity. "With everything shut down, I thought about pickleball again. There was an empty badminton court at our club, so I reached out to Farrell Choo in Miri," Robin explains.
Choo subsequently sent him the necessary equipment. "That's how we got started. We set up the Sungai Ujong Club in Seremban, and things took off from there," remembers Robin.
What began as a small initiative quickly grew. "Initially, we started with a few people, but word spread," he recalls, adding: "We ended up with about 40 members, and pickleball was soon recognised as a sport, alongside tennis and badminton."
As the captain of the club's pickleball team in 2020, Robin helped lay the foundation for the sport's expansion. "After that, I started the Negri Sembilan Pickleball Association and eventually handed over the captaincy," he notes. "Now, I focus on promoting the sport across the state."
The former squash player's dedication to pickleball is evident in his daily routine. "I play almost every day — sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening, depending on the weather," he says, adding: "It's a great way to stay active. Before retiring, I managed plantations in Malaysia, Nigeria and Papua New Guinea. Now, pickleball is my main focus."
GAME-CHANGER
Pickleball's appeal, believes Robin, lies in its accessibility and its ability to foster a sense of community. "The sport suits all ages and is less intense than others. It's perfect for seniors," he explains, adding: "I play at my own pace and avoid injury. It's important for seniors to be mindful of their physical condition, prepare their body well and to use proper equipment."
His player rating of 3.5 reflects his commitment. "I've participated in various tournaments before. What's amazing about pickleball is the community. Unlike in squash or table tennis, where interactions can be limited, pickleball really fosters a sense of camaraderie. Players can laugh at their mistakes, cheer each other on, and celebrate every game. The spirit is very different."
The sport, continues Robin, has been a game-changer, not just physically but socially. "It has opened up a whole new social world for us all. You meet people you'd never expect to meet, regardless of age," he enthuses.
The growth of pickleball in Malaysia has been remarkable. Shares Robin: "It started in Sarawak in 2019, and now it's played in almost seven states in the peninsula. Places like Ipoh and Selangor have seen incredible growth. It's a sport where older players can hold their own against younger ones, often outplaying them with strategy."
As president of the Negri Sembilan Pickleball Association, the father of two is dedicated to promoting the sport. His advice to other seniors is simple: "Join a pickleball group or start one. The sport is growing, and there are many facilities popping up. It's a fantastic way to stay active and connected."