SIBU: For the very first time, the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) has successfully conducted its Certified Instructor Level 1 course in the Central Zone, held at SMK Sacred Heart here on Saturday.
This historic initiative, hosted by the Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA), marks a significant milestone in the growth of pickleball in Sarawak.
The event attracted a total of 34 enthusiastic participants, including two delegates from Kuching and four from Sarikei, underscoring the rising interest in pickleball across the region.
Presiding over the course was none other than MPA President, Farrell Choo, who personally conducted the training and assessment, offering participants a valuable opportunity to receive professional coaching and guidance from the highest authority in Malaysian pickleball.
“This programme is not only a platform to upgrade technical knowledge and coaching competency but also a strategic step toward forming a stronger coaching community in East Malaysia,” he said during the opening address.
The full-day certification session incorporated modules such as coaching ethics and safety, rules of the game and match officiating, basic stroke and drill techniques, court positioning and communication, as well as practical demonstration and coaching simulation.
Participants who successfully complete this certification will be officially recognised as Level 1 Certified Instructors, enabling them to contribute to the sport’s development at the grassroots and school levels.
Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Chieng Jin Ek, who was also in attendance, expressed his appreciation.
“We are grateful to MPA for their continuous support. Bringing this course to Sibu empowers our local players and educators to step into leadership roles within the sport,” he said.
“SPA aims to continue working closely with national and state-level bodies to host more professional development events and tournaments in the future, establishing Sibu as a growing hub for pickleball activities in Sarawak.”
