Malaysia's Pickleball Scene Thrives with Major Tournaments and Youth Engagement
Growing Popularity of Pickleball in Malaysia
This month, the popularity of pickleball in Malaysia surged, highlighted by significant tournaments in Subang Jaya that attracted a diverse international crowd, expanded youth categories, and increased prize money. The Skechers International Pickleball Championship – Malaysia Edition 2026, which took place from May 8 to 10, saw participation from 1,282 players across 14 countries in the region, showcasing the sport's growing competitive landscape in Southeast Asia.
The event included various categories such as men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with results tracked via the DUPR rating system for global rankings and qualification points for the World Pickleball Championship. In the Open Men’s Singles 19+ category, Phoenix He claimed victory, earning RM1,700 in prize money, while Dylan Ooi and Muhammad Aiman Hamdan secured the second and third spots, respectively.
Jas Almaguer won the Open Women’s Singles 19+ title, with Angie Bong and Virvienica Bejosano finishing as runners-up. The Open Men’s Doubles 19+ champions, Marco Leung and Vanshik Kapadia, took home RM3,500 and two pairs of Viper Court Pro shoes. In the Open Mixed Doubles 19+ category, Man Kwan Wun and Syed Uzair Sufi also emerged victorious with similar rewards.
A notable highlight of the tournament was the introduction of the Under-18 category for the first time, where Dzarif Dzakwan B Azizul Azhar triumphed in both the boys’ singles and U-18 doubles, partnering with his younger brother Dzikri Dzakwan B Azizul Azhar. Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, remarked on the youth division's significance, stating, “Pickleball in Malaysia is evolving beyond a single generation, now uniting players of all ages, and we aim for this tournament to reflect that growth.”
This tournament followed the announcement of the AmBank Malaysia Pickleball Championship, set to occur from June 19 to 21 at Playa Racquet Club in Subang Jaya. Organizers revealed that the prize pool for this championship has increased from RM50,000 to RM66,000, with an anticipated participation of 600 players.
Patricia Tan, CEO of Score Sports Management, noted the increasing competitiveness and engagement in pickleball across Malaysia, stating, “We are witnessing significant momentum in the sport. Our next goal is to elevate the competition standards and enhance the overall experience.” The AmBank-sponsored event will feature categories for novices, intermediates, and open players in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles, along with workshops, fitness activities, and sustainability initiatives utilizing recycled materials. As participation and investment in the sport grow, Malaysia is quickly establishing itself as a key pickleball hub in Southeast Asia.