Sarawak to Host Inaugural MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025: Press Conference Highlights with Ting and Officials
Sarawak to Host Inaugural MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025
Sarawak is set to make history as the host of the first-ever MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG2025), a groundbreaking event that will showcase Malaysia as a premier sports tourism destination. Organized by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the tournament is scheduled to take place at PIKABOL, Malaysia’s Pickleball Powerhouse in Kuching, from October 7 to 20, 2025.
With an estimated 1,350 participants from Malaysia and abroad and a projected total visitor count of over 2,600, the MPG2025 is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Sarawak. Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah highlighted the potential impact of the event on the tourism, hospitality, food, transport, and shopping sectors.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (Tourism) Dato Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, speaking on behalf of Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, emphasized the significance of the tournament, which boasts a total prize pool of RM100,000, the largest cash prize in the region. Ting also acknowledged the role of Miri in the development of pickleball in Malaysia, noting the sport’s growing popularity in Sarawak and across the nation.
Supported by various associations and ministries, including the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, the MPG2025 aims to promote pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport in Malaysia. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between MATTA and the Malaysia Pickleball Association solidifies their commitment to developing the sport and enhancing sports tourism in the country.
The tournament will feature a range of competitive categories, including team events and individual competitions in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, catering to different skill levels and age groups. The event was announced during a press conference attended by officials and organizers, including MTCP acting permanent secretary Desmond Douglas Jerukan, MATTA President Nigel Wong, and MATTA Sarawak chairman Oscar Choo.
The MPG2025 promises to be a landmark event that will not only showcase the growing popularity of pickleball in Malaysia but also position Sarawak as a leading destination for sports tourism. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting tournament.
