KUCHING: Pickleball’s rapid growth in Kuching shows no signs of slowing, with national professional pickleball player Toi Sieu Ee highlighting the city’s accessibility, inclusiveness and strong local talent as key factors behind the sport’s rise.
Toi, one of Malaysia’s prominent pickleball players, said Kuching has developed into a vibrant hotspot for the sport, supported by a welcoming community involving players of all ages and backgrounds.
“Pickleball is very accessible. People of all ages, all genders, all races can play together,” she said.
The Kuala Lumpur-based athlete, who was in the state capital for the Waddle x Podium Project event powered by Friday, added that the sport’s simpler setup and smaller court size compared to tennis have made it easier for newcomers to pick up.
“The court is not as big as a tennis court, so anybody can play. It’s very healthy and very easy to start,” she told Sarawak Tribune at the Star Pickleball venue on Wednesday (May 27).
Toi also pointed to the strong competitive level in Kuching, noting that several top players currently based in Kuala Lumpur originally come from East Malaysia.
“In KL, some of the best players are actually originally from Kuching,” she said, adding that it reflected the growing depth of talent emerging from the region.
She believes the sport’s popularity will continue to rise due to its community-driven nature and broad appeal.
“I think it’s here to stay,” she said.
Beyond competition, Toi said she has also been involved in community-based activities, including workshops and guided play sessions, as part of efforts to further grow the sport.
