Abd Karim confident Sukma XXI, pickleball tourney help promote sports tourism in Sarawak

KUCHING (Aug 8): Sukma XXI and the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament which will take place in Sarawak are two major sports events that will help to promote sports tourism in the state.

According to Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, both events are expected to see many participants from within and outside Sarawak and spur spin-offs in the tourism industry.

“Sarawak will host the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament (BPIT) from Oct 8-14 at PIKABOL, Asia’s largest pickleball complex in Pending.

“Both of my ministries have chosen to support the tournament as it will promote Sarawak as a sports tourism destination.

“With Sukma XXI Sarawak and the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament, we will turn Sarawak into a hotbed for sports tourism in Southeast Asia,” he told a press conference at Bangunan Baitul Makmur II here today.

Abdul Karim, also Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said behind every successful event, unsung heroes are working behind the scenes and the sponsors and partners of BPIT are those heroes making Malaysia’s largest pickleball tournament possible.

“I am proud to announce that the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is the gold sponsor, the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau is the silver sponsor, and our bronze sponsors are Skechers and tournament venue PIKABOL.

“Thank you to the top-tier sponsors for believing in the vision and providing exceptional support to enhance the tournament experience.

“Equally important as the top-tier sponsors are the corporate sponsors Sarawak Energy Berhad, WTK Holdings Sdn Bhd, KL-based interior design company Decor Hauz Interior, Pickleball merchandise Odysportsz and Starbucks.

“Their generosity has not only provided the tournament with the resources to succeed but also motivated us to aim higher and achieve more. Thank you for being part of Sarawak’s historic event,” he said.

Other partners for the BPIT are CPH Travel and Tours (travel partner), Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel under Hemisphere Hospitality (hotel partner), Malaysia Airlines (airlines partner) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (promotional partner).

“The excellence of these sponsors and partners highlights the Kuching Pickleball Association’s commitment to hosting a world-class event for our community, with exclusive strategic guidance from Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak).

“BESarawak is stepping in as the official community outreach partner and official CSR programme partner.

“Many others are contributing in various ways to make the Borneo Pickleball International Tournament a success. Let’s remember that our success is a collective effort, and your contribution – as a sponsor, partner, or behind the scenes – is invaluable,” added Abdul Karim.