SIBU: The stage is set for an exciting battle as 16 teams representing 13 secondary schools across Sibu Division prepare to compete in the 2nd Sibu Division Inter-Secondary School Pickleball Championship, scheduled to take place at the SMI Pickleball Centre here from July 4 to 5.
Organised by the Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA) with the support of the Sibu Division Education Office, the championship continues to strengthen the rapid growth of pickleball among school-going athletes while providing a competitive platform to nurture future talents.
The tournament’s official draw and team managers’ meeting were successfully held on Friday afternoon at the N.51 Bukit Assek Service Centre, where participating teams get to know their respective groupings ahead of the two-day championship.
Group A consists of Catholic High School Team A, SM Kiang Hin, SMK Agama Sibu and SM Wong Nai Siong.
Group B features Woodlands International School, SMK Methodist Team A, Catholic High School Team B and SMK Bandar Sibu.
Group C comprises SMK Tung Hua Team A, SMK Methodist Team B, the combined team of SMK St. Elizabeth and SMK Sacred Heart, as well as SMK Sungai Merah.
Group D includes SMK Deshon, SMK Bukit Assek, the combined team of SMK Sacred Heart and SMK St. Elizabeth, and SMK Tung Hua Team B.
Competition will begin at 7.30 am on July 4 with player registration, followed by the opening ceremony and round-robin matches.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals on July 5 before battling through the knockout stages for the championship title.
Beyond the race for honours, the tournament also serves as an important talent identification platform. Outstanding Under-18 players will be selected to represent Sibu Division at the inaugural Sarawak Inter-Division U18 Secondary School Pickleball Championship, which is scheduled for July 26.
The state-level championship will be organised by the SPA with the support and endorsement of the Sarawak Pickleball Association and the Sarawak Education Department, marking another significant milestone in the sport’s development across the state.
Adding further excitement to the weekend, the inaugural Sibu Division School Teachers Mixed Doubles Pickleball Tournament will be held on July 5. The event has attracted an overwhelming response, with around 20 teams confirming participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for pickleball within schools and the wider education community.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, who is also SPA president, said the association remains committed to expanding grassroots participation and creating more competitive opportunities for young players to develop their skills and gain valuable match experience.
He also encouraged members of the public to attend the championship and lend their support to the participating schools while witnessing first-hand the fast-growing popularity and excitement of pickleball.
