KUCHING: Sarawak's Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has expressed hope that the pickleball game will be included in the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma), provided that six states send their teams.
He said the game is getting popular among Malaysians, especially in Sarawak.
"One of the conditions is that there must be six state teams competing for its inclusion in Sukma," said Abdul Karim, who is also the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, told reporters after meeting the sponsors of the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 here.
He said it is up to the respective state pickleball associations to consider admitting pickleball games into the next Sukma.
"If it is not admitted, then it will be just a demonstration event," he added.
He said the state Sports, Youth and Entrepreneur Development Ministry will consider admitting pickleball as one of the events in the Sarawak Games (Suksa) if it is accepted as a competing event in Sukma.
He said there is no point admitting pickleball into Suksa as its aim is to groom young athletes for Sukma.
The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament, organised by the Kuching Pickleball Association, will be held from Oct 8 to 14 this year.
About 500 players from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia will compete in the biggest ever pickleball tournament in Sarawak at the pickleball court here.
The tournament will offer a total prize money of RM20,000 for the various categories.
The registration for all the categories will close on Aug 31.