KUCHING: The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) conducted its very first MPA Certified Pickleball Instructor Course Level 1 here on Dec 22.
A total of 18 participants attended the session conducted by MPA president Farrell Choo.
Participants were taught on the proper techniques on how to introduce the sport to beginners during the course.
According to Choo, pickleball is a fun and exciting sport for all ages as it is a sport that combines badminton, tennis and ping-pong and has a short learning curve.
“It was invented in 1965 in the United States of America. In Malaysia, the sport started in 2019 and is now played in Sarawak, Sabah, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang and Pahang.
“There are presently around 1,000 players, including students who have been introduced to the sport.
“Pickleball is a low-impact sport that can be played by more people and it can be played indoor or outdoor.
“The court size is only 44 feet long and 20 feet wide, which is the same as the badminton court.
“You will get good body exercise with 30 minutes of pickleball,” he explained.
According to Choo, the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) and the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) are also working to include pickleball in the SEA Games and the Olympics in future.
He added that in Kuching, there are currently three pickleball groups with around 50 active players.
“The number is set to increase further as there will be more venues and workshops coming up to further promote pickleball.”
For more information about pickleball and how to get started, pickleball enthusiasts can contact Ahmad Rodzli (013-8443044) or Leslie (019-8171567) or visit www.facebook.com/malaysiapickleball
