KAPIT: The inaugural Kapit Pickleball Challenge 2026 marks a significant milestone in local sports development and community engagement in the division, said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
He said the tournament, organised by Success Pickleball Club, not only promotes a healthy lifestyle through sports but also encourages greater community participation in sports development.
“The club has successfully organised the Kapit Pickleball Challenge 2026, the first tournament of its kind so far in Kapit, which marks a significant milestone for local sports development and community engagement in the region.
“This tournament not only promotes a healthy lifestyle through sports but also helps to build community participation towards sports development in the division,” he said this when officiating at the Kapit Pickleball Challenge 2026 organised by Success Pickleball Club at Lighthouse of Hope here on Saturday (Sept 19).
Jamit, who is also Bukit Goram assemblyman, commended the club’s president Alan Tang Chak Soon and its members for their initiative and dedication in organising the tournament, describing it as a noble effort that demonstrates the club’s commitment to driving the growth of local sports activities.
He said pickleball is gaining widespread popularity due to its accessibility, ease of learning and enjoyable nature, making it suitable for people of all ages.
He expressed optimism that the sport would continue to flourish in Kapit and become a popular recreational activity among the local community.
On the competition, he said events such as the Kapit Pickleball Challenge not only encouraged a healthy and active lifestyle across all segments of society, but also helped foster physical fitness, mental resilience and stronger community bonds.
He also encouraged participants to showcase a high standard of play while upholding the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
“Winning and losing are natural outcomes in any sport, but what truly matters is the competitive spirit and camaraderie shared among us,” he said.
At the function, Jamit announced a grant of RM5,000 to Success Pickleball Club to support its future activities.
