Sarawak is set to strengthen its position as a regional pickleball hub with the launch of the second Borneo Pickleball International Tournament (BPIT2026), an event expected to attract around 2,000 players, spectators and visitors from Malaysia and overseas.
According to dayakdaily.com, the tournament will be held from October 7 to 12 at PIKABOL Malaysia, featuring nearly 500 players from Sarawak, Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore and other international destinations.
Speaking at the tournament launch, Sarawak Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the event highlights the state’s growing investment in sports tourism.
“Events such as BPIT2026 not only attract visitors but also create opportunities for local businesses, stimulate economic activities and strengthen Sarawak’s position as a preferred destination for international sporting events.”
Abdul Karim, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said the tournament supports Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, where sports tourism has been identified as a key sector for sustainable economic growth and greater international visibility.
The second edition follows the success of the inaugural tournament in 2024, which was recognized as Malaysia’s and Borneo’s first major team pickleball championship. That event attracted around 500 players and 1,000 spectators, with organizers expecting even stronger participation this year.
Organized by the Kuching Pickleball Association, BPIT2026 will feature both team and individual competitions across multiple age groups and skill levels.
The flagship team competition will see 24 teams compete in Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Doubles, Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s Veteran Doubles (50+) and Mixed Open Doubles, while individual events will also be staged across four categories.
Organizers have also increased the total prize purse to RM80,000, making BPIT2026 one of the richest pickleball tournaments in Borneo. The champion team will receive RM20,000, while winners in each individual category will earn RM3,000 along with trophies and medals.
Abdul Karim said the rapid rise of pickleball in Sarawak has been driven by cooperation across multiple sectors.
“Such remarkable growth of pickleball in Sarawak is a testament to the strong collaboration between government agencies, sports associations, private sector partners and community organizations.”
“Through these partnerships, we are creating more opportunities for people to stay active, develop their skills, build friendships and strengthen community bonds through sport.”
Beyond the main competition, organizers will also stage the OCI-Sarawak Closed Junior Pickleball Tournament 2026 on September 26 and 27 as part of the BPIT2026 programme, with a focus on developing the next generation of players.
Calling on athletes, clubs and pickleball enthusiasts to participate, Abdul Karim expressed confidence that BPIT2026 would further establish Sarawak as a destination where sport, tourism and community development come together while delivering long-term economic and social benefits.
