Photo shows one of the ‘Mixed Ability Doubles’ matches played during the Kuala Lumpur International Pickleball Tournament 2024 in July.
MIRI (Nov 17): National Sports Council (MSN) management board member Alan Ling has expressed his support for pickleball to be included in 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma), which will be held in Selangor.
He was commenting on the announcement made by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Haji Amirudin Shari on Saturday about the hosting state intending to introduce the sport as a medal game in Sukma 2026.
Ling, also Pakatan Harapan Sarawak secretary, said he had been keeping a close watch over the development of pickleball in Malaysia.
“Pickelball gained its popularity among various age groups post-Covid-19 pandemic, and is now becoming a common sport among enthusiasts.
“I believed and I am confident that the sport’s fraternity will be in favour of this positive development.
“I’m sure that this sport will also be further enhanced in terms of infrastructure and standards, to meet the development of this evolving sports,” he said in a statement.
With Malaysia hosting South East Asia Games (SEA Games) in 2027, Ling was hopeful that pickleball could be included in it, and also for the sport to continue garnering supports from all stakeholders.
In this respect, he observed that both the state and federal governments had been emphasising on providing and improving pickleball facilities.
“Even private clubs and amenities in housing estates or condominiums are setting up pickleball courts to meet the demand – this is a good sign,” he said.
He also believed that more athletes would pick up pickleball should the game be included in national and international events.
“More importantly, pickleball is one of the 103 sports gazetted under the Sports Development Act 1997, where the relevant sports associations could benefit from government grants and tax exemption for training and development.
“Now, pickleball is not only played by able-bodied athletes, but also by the disabled individuals.
“In fact, the Kuala Lumpur International Pickleball Tournament 2024 held in July included a ‘Mixed Ability Doubles’ event,” said Ling.
The post MSN board member all supportive for inclusion of pickleball in Sukma 2026 appeared first on Borneo Post Online.