‘Pickleball may be trending, but tennis still equally strong in Sarawak’ — SLTA president

Henry (fifth right) presents the trophy to a representative of the winning team while Liew (fourth right) and others look on at the Sarawak Inter-Division & Sarawak Closed Tennis Championship 2026 prize-giving ceremony and Gawai Dayak BBQ dinner at SLTA grounds on May 24, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 25: While pickleball continues to gain popularity among recreational sports enthusiasts, tennis is still very much alive and competitive in Sarawak, says the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA).

Its president, Dato Patrick Liew, said despite the rise of newer racket sports, tennis remains relevant and continues to draw strong participation across all levels.

“Even though pickleball is very popular, tennis is still equally popular. We must continue to promote the sport and make sure it stays relevant for the future.

“Everybody can participate in the game, but it is our responsibility as an association to keep the activity going and promote it among members and juniors,” he told reporters when met at the Sarawak Inter-Division & Sarawak Closed Tennis Championship 2026 prize-giving ceremony and Gawai Dayak BBQ dinner at SLTA grounds here yesterday (May 24).

Dato Patrick Liew

Liew further said the association’s annual inter-division championship plays a crucial role in sustaining that momentum, bringing together affiliates from across the State in both competition and fellowship.

The tournament, traditionally held in May, has been running for nearly 30 years and also coincides with Gawai celebrations, making it a platform that blends sport, fellowship and cultural gathering.

SLTA currently has seven official affiliates, namely Kuching Division Lawn Tennis Association (KDLTA), Sibu Division Lawn Tennis Association (SDLTA), Mukah Lawn Tennis Association (MLTA), Bintulu Division Tennis Association (BTDTA), Sri Aman Tennis Association, Miri Division Lawn Tennis Association (MDLTA), and Kapit Lawn Tennis Association (KLTA).

Liew added that while SLTA only has seven affiliates, the inter-division championship also features participation from other invited tennis clubs, making the tournament more competitive and broad-based beyond its core membership.

He also welcomed the strong turnout of younger players, including former Sukma athletes, noting that some even participate alongside their families.

“Some even bring their children to play, which is a very good sign. The younger generation is still interested in tennis,” he said.

Participation in the tournament is open without age restrictions, with players selected by their respective divisions regardless of age or gender.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Sarawak Inter-Division Tennis Championship 2026 saw Kuching Division Lawn Tennis Association (KDLTA) A clinch the title after edging Persatuan Tenis Bumiputera Sarawak (PTBS) A 3-2 in a closely fought final.

In the men’s singles, KDLTA A’s Hii Shieng Wee delivered a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over PTBS A’s Mohd Abdul Qaiyyum Mohd Ali, while PTBS A responded through Mohamad Norhairi Khaidir, who defeated Muhammad Sufri Kasuadi 6-2, 6-2.

KDLTA A also secured crucial wins in the doubles categories, including a 7-5, 6-3 victory by Gabriel Ong and Mark Hardin in the veteran doubles.

In the men’s doubles, Hii Shieng Wee paired with Arthur Ling to defeat PTBS A’s Mohamad Norhairi Khaidir and Joel al Wilton Empirang 6-2, 1-0, while Shawn Lee and Adrian Teh sealed another straight-set win 6-0, 6-0.

In third place was PTBS B.

Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep presented the prizes to the winners at the competition venue. — DayakDaily