SARAWAK Hosts Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 at PIKABOL
SARAWAK MAKES HISTORY IN BORNEO’S PICKLEBALL SCENE WITH BPIT 2024
Sarawak has solidified its position as a key player in Borneo’s pickleball scene with the successful hosting of the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament (BPIT 2024). The event, held at PIKABOL, Malaysia’s premier indoor pickleball arena, attracted over 500 players and 2,000 visitors from the region, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in Southeast Asia.
Organized by the Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA), BPIT 2024 featured intense competition among participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei. The tournament not only celebrated the achievements of athletes but also positioned Kuching as a premier destination for international pickleball events, contributing to the growth of the sports and tourism sectors in the region.
At the tournament’s launch, YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, expressed his gratitude to the organizers for their dedication. He thanked attendees for their presence, players for their participation, and praised PIKABOL for establishing the largest purpose-built indoor pickleball venue in Asia.
With the guidance of Exclusive Strategic Advisor Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), the KPA successfully hosted an internationally recognized event that raised the profile of pickleball in the region. The tournament received endorsements from both the Malaysia Pickleball Association and the Sarawak Pickleball Association, along with robust support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Chairman of BPIT2024, Mr. Ruslan Bujang, expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners for their invaluable support in making the event a success. He also highlighted the importance of developing sports tourism in Sarawak and providing services to participants.
Mr. Oscar Choo, Managing Director of PIKABOL, shared his vision for the arena to become a beacon of pickleball excellence, attracting players from near and far. He emphasized the importance of providing a space where players of all levels can learn, refine their skills, and enjoy the thrill of competition.
The BPIT2024 closing ceremony is set for October 13, 2024, and visitors are encouraged to attend, explore booths, and donate books to support the rural community. Sarawak’s successful hosting of BPIT 2024 has not only put the region on the map in the pickleball world but has also set the stage for future international events and the continued growth of the sport in Southeast Asia.
