KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to build a stronger pipeline of young pickleball talent by giving juniors more opportunities to compete, gain experience and progress to higher levels.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the inaugural Sarawak Closed Junior Pickleball Tournament provided an important competitive platform for young Sarawakians to develop their skills and potential in the fast-growing sport.
He said the tournament, initiated by OCI–TerraSus in collaboration with the Kuching Pickleball Association and fully sponsored by OCI–TerraSus, was intended to be held annually rather than as a one-off event.
“Developing young athletes takes time. Talent needs to be nurtured through regular opportunities to train, compete, gain experience and challenge themselves,” he said when officiating the tournament at Pickabol Malaysia here today (Sept 26).
Dr Sim said the tournament aimed to groom young Sarawakian players for higher levels of competition, particularly the Under-18 Sarawak Inter-Division Pickleball Tournament scheduled to be held in Bintulu in July 2027.
He noted that Kuching Division had emerged champion in the inaugural Under-18 Junior Competition, providing an encouraging foundation for the development of young players.
The inaugural tournament also saw participation from juniors from Kuching, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.
“For a first edition, this is a very positive start. It shows that interest in pickleball among our young people is growing beyond Kuching and reaching different parts of Sarawak,” he said.
Dr Sim encouraged the juniors to make full use of the opportunity, stressing that sport was not only about winning but also about developing discipline, handling pressure, respecting opponents and building confidence.
He also acknowledged the role of parents and coaches in supporting the development of young players.
Meanwhile, he commended OCI–TerraSus for investing in junior sports development, saying sponsorship should not only focus on major tournaments or established players.
“Investing in junior development is equally important because this is where we identify and nurture the next generation,” he said.
He added that OCI–TerraSus was also supporting the wider pickleball community through the Kuching Pickleball Invitational Tournament 2026 and as Exclusive Strategic Sponsor of the 2nd Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2026 next month.
Dr Sim said continued opportunities and a clear pathway would be important if Sarawak wanted to produce future champions, national players and athletes capable of representing Malaysia internationally.
He congratulated OCI–TerraSus, the Kuching Pickleball Association, organising committee, officials, coaches, parents and volunteers for making the inaugural tournament possible.
