Ting (sixth right), with Desmond on his left, joins Wong (fourth left) and others promoting the inaugural Matta Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam, at the press conference.
KUCHING (March 21): The inaugural Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam is expected to attract some 1,350 participants from Malaysia and abroad, with a projected total visitors’ count of over 2,600 throughout the competition scheduled this Oct 7-20 at the PIKABOL Malaysia’s Pickleball Powerhouse here.
Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, hailed the tournament as ‘a groundbreaking event, not only for Sarawak but for Malaysia as a whole.
“It marks a major step forward in efforts of promoting sports tourism not only in Sarawak, but also at the national and international levels.
“Sarawak has always been a unique and dynamic destination, offering eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and world-class events.
“The Matta Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam fits perfectly with our vision of making Sarawak a premier hub for sports tourism,” he said in his speech for the press conference on the tournament, held at the ministry’s office here today.
This event would bring in significant economic benefits to the state, boosting its tourism, hospitality, food, transport, and shopping sectors, said Abdul Karim who is also state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
“More importantly, it will put Sarawak on the map as a preferred centre for international sporting events.
“By bringing together top international and local pickleball players, this event will not only elevate Malaysia’s presence in the international sports stage, but also enhance inbound tourism-providing visitors with the opportunity to explore our breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural and culinary heritage, and warm hospitality,” added Abdul Karim, whose speech text was read out by his deputy minister Datuk Sebastian Ting.
The press conference was called following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Matta and the Malaysia Pickleball Association, on further strengthening the foundation for long-term collaboration in further developing pickleball as a sport and enhancing its impact on tourism in Sarawak and the country.
“It is truly exciting to see pickleball growing in popularity in Sarawak and Malaysia. Thank you to the dedication of organisations like the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, this sport is gaining traction at both the grassroots and competitive levels.
“With a total pool prize value of RM100,000, the largest cash prize in the region, this tournament will undoubtedly attract top-tier talent and inspire more Malaysians to take up the sport,” said Abdul Karim.
Also present were acting permanent secretary to the state Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Desmond Douglas Jerukan; Matta president Nigel Wong; Matta Sarawak head Oscar Choo; and Malaysia Pickleball Association treasurer Delima Ibrahim, who is also Sarawak Pickleball Association president.
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