Kuching, Sarawak is gearing up to hold the #BorneoPickleball International Tournament, the largest pickleball competition in Malaysia and Borneo. Scheduled for October 9th to 12th, the tournament expects to draw around 500 players and 2,000 visitors from the region, with a total prize pool of RM20,000.
Organized by the Kuching Pickleball Association, the tournament boasts endorsements from both the Malaysia Pickleball Association and Sarawak Pickleball Association at the association level. Government backing comes from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Open to all ages and skill levels, pickleball is a fun and inclusive sport that fosters connections across communities. The tournament welcomes participants from corporate organizations, government sectors, clubs and associations, and anyone else interested in playing.
This event is seen as a strategic opportunity to solidify Sarawak’s position as a sports tourism destination. According to Sarawak’s Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the tournament “strengthens Sarawak’s destination profile in sports and sports tourism.” He added that this “shows Sarawak’s ability to host global sporting events.”
BESarawak, the Exclusive Strategic Advisor for the tournament, aims to ensure its sustainability and establish it as a recurring event. Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chairman of BESarawak, envisions the tournament as “a potential legacy for the pickleball community and Sarawak’s sports tourism.”
The tournament will also contribute to the community through a corporate social responsibility program called “Books Build Legacy.” This program aims to collect 2,000 book donations for underprivileged schools in Sarawak.
“Community development is always a priority,” said Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim. “This Tournament is a product of collaboration between business events players uniting for change.”
Kuching Pickleball Association President, Ruslan Bujang, highlighted the various benefits of pickleball, including stress management, promoting an active lifestyle, and building new friendships. He sees the tournament as a chance for “cross-cultural exchange” and “bridging the worlds of sports and education.”
Tournament Categories:
- Open (Team) Category (5 subcategories):
- Mixed Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- Men’s Doubles
- Veteran Doubles
- Men’s Singles
- Maximum 48 teams
- Registration fee: RM1,200 per team
- Prizes: RM1,250 (including medal) to RM10,000 (including trophy and medal)
- Women’s Singles Category
- Maximum 24 players
- Registration fee: RM100 per player
- Prizes: RM125 to RM1,000 (including medals)
- Novice Category
- Maximum 24 pairs
- Registration fee: RM50 per pair
- Prizes: Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals
Registration and Information:
- Register for a free Pickleball Global ID at https://pickleball.global/ to participate. Points earned at the #BorneoPickleball International Tournament can be used in future global tournaments.
- Registration closes on August 31st, 2024.
- Follow BESarawak’s Facebook page (@BESarawak) for updates.
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