KUCHING: The second Borneo International Pickleball Tournament (BPIT2026) is expected to attract about 2,000 participants, spectators and supporters over its six-day run.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tournament, to be held from October 7 to 12 at Pickleball Malaysia, Pending, is expected to feature more than 500 players and attract around 1,500 visitors and supporters.
“As the minister responsible for tourism as well, I am pleased to see events like this attracting large numbers of participants and visitors.
“Whether it is sports, music or cultural events, they all contribute positively to Sarawak’s tourism industry and economy,” he told reporters after launching the tournament today.
Abdul Karim said the tournament is expected to draw players from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Taiwan, India and several other countries.
He said the growing international participation reflects the tournament’s rising profile following the successful inaugural edition in 2024.
“The organisation of international sporting events not only strengthens sports development in Sarawak but also serves as a catalyst for the tourism and hospitality sectors,” he added.
Organised by the Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA), BPIT2026 will feature team and individual competitions, making it one of the region’s premier pickleball tournaments.
The team event will see 24 teams competing in five categories: Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Doubles, Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s Veterans Doubles (50 years and above), and Open Mixed Doubles with a combined minimum age of 90 years.
Individual events will be contested in the Men’s Open Doubles, Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s Veterans Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles categories.
Originally introduced in 2024 as Malaysia’s first major pickleball tournament and the largest team-based pickleball competition in the country, BPIT has since grown into one of the region’s leading tournaments.
During the launch, OCI TerraSus reaffirmed its support for the tournament by presenting an exclusive sponsorship cheque worth RM60,000.
The cheque was presented by OCI TerraSus Human Resources and Sustainability’s Chief Director, Dr Kim Soo Yeon, to Kuching Pickleball Association’s President, Ruslan Bujang.
The company said the sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting sports development, particularly pickleball, and nurturing future sporting talent in Sarawak.
