Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 (BPIT) Makes History in Sarawak
The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament 2024 (BPIT) held at PIKABOL in Malaysia has made history in the region’s pickleball scene. The event, which took place on October 8th, attracted over 500 players and 2,000 visitors from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in Southeast Asia.
The tournament was organized by the Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA) and received endorsements from the Malaysia Pickleball Association and the Sarawak Pickleball Association. The event was also supported by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, as well as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts, represented the Minister at the opening ceremony of the BPIT 2024 and the grand opening of PIKABOL. YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, expressed gratitude to the organizers and sponsors for their dedication and support.
Mr. Ruslan Bujang, Chairman of BPIT2024, thanked sponsors including Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Skechers, WTK, Starbucks, and others for their invaluable support. He also thanked partners such as DayakDaily, The Hills Kuching, Malaysia Airlines, and Sarawak Tourism Board for their contributions to developing sports tourism in Sarawak.
PIKABOL’s Managing Director, Mr. Oscar Choo, highlighted the arena’s role as Malaysia’s pickleball powerhouse, providing a space for players of all levels to learn, compete, and enjoy the sport. He envisions PIKABOL becoming a beacon of pickleball excellence, attracting players from near and far.
The BPIT2024 closing ceremony is scheduled for October 13, 2024, where visitors are encouraged to attend, explore booths, and donate books to support the rural community. The event 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.
