Selangor Makes Bold Move: Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has announced that the state is planning to introduce pickleball as a medal event at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). With its inclusive nature, pickleball is gaining popularity across all demographics, offering a unique opportunity to broaden the sports landscape at Sukma.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity and Inclusiveness
Amirudin emphasized the sport’s global growth, noting that Asia is expected to become the hub of pickleball, with over 100 million new players projected in the next five years. He highlighted one of pickleball’s most appealing qualities: its inclusivity.
“One of the interesting facts about pickleball is its inclusiveness. Everyone can take part, regardless of their age or gender.” – (Amirudin Shari)
The introduction of pickleball at Sukma will make Selangor the first state to feature the sport at the prestigious event.
“Selangor intends to become the first state to organise pickleball at Sukma when it hosts the 2026 edition.” – (Amirudin Shari)
This announcement comes as part of the state’s broader efforts to promote sports participation.
Pickleball Festival and Tournament to Boost Local Interest
In conjunction with the Visit Selangor Year 2025 campaign, the state government will host a pickleball festival and tournament to attract more visitors to Selangor. This event will also include school and district-level competitions aimed at fostering interest in pickleball among the younger generation and identifying emerging talent.
“We aim to encourage young players to embrace this sport and nurture the next wave of champions.” – (Amirudin Shari)
Investment in Pickleball Infrastructure
To support the growth of pickleball in the state, Selangor has allocated RM1 million for the construction of more pickleball courts in public parks. This initiative involves converting existing badminton courts in open spaces into pickleball facilities.
“Badminton is more suitable to be played in enclosed areas, so this is a great way to make better use of the available outdoor spaces.” – (Amirudin Shari)
Preparing for 2026 Sukma
In addition to the pickleball initiatives, Amirudin also announced a RM6 million allocation for a comprehensive sports development program to ensure Selangor’s readiness for the 2026 Sukma Games. Selangor previously hosted the tournament in 1998, winning a record 80 gold medals.
News in Brief: Selangor Makes Bold Move
Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari has confirmed that pickleball will be introduced as a medal event at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma). The state government will host a pickleball festival and tournament to promote the sport, with plans to develop more pickleball facilities through the conversion of badminton courts.
The state has allocated RM1 million for this project, in addition to RM6 million for the preparation of Selangor’s Sukma contingent.
ALSO READ: Hoi An Hosts 2025 World Pickleball Championship at a World-Class Pickleball Facility