Pickleball to be introduced and promoted widely

SIBU: Bukit Assek assemblyman cum Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA) president, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek said he would actively attempt to build a sand-based pickleball training center in Sibu in order to promote the development of pickleball.

He recommended that pickleball is a ball game suitable for the whole family.

“In terms of promotion and publicity, the SPA will go to schools, especially secondary schools in Sibu area, to introduce and explain pickleball to teachers and students.

“At this stage, we plan to introduce and promote it to 20 secondary schools next year, including providing basic pickleball nets, rackets and balls to the schools. These are all in planning,” he said at the Pickleball casual game event held here on Friday.

Chieng said after the plan to enter the campus is launched, more pickleball coaches and judges would be needed.

He pointed out that interested parties are encouraged to participate in training and courses to become professionally qualified coaches or judges.

“We must have a good lifestyle, learn to release the stress of life, study and work through the right channels, and balance our emotions. Pickleball is a good choice and can help us relieve stress,” he said.

He added SPA planned to hold the first inter-school pickleball tournament next year to encourage more students and young people to participate in the game.

Ling (standing fifth left), Chieng (sixth left) with the participants in a group photo.

“You and I, holding pickleball rackets, are ambassadors for the promotion of pickleball. With the mission of promoting this ball game, we hope through everyone’s efforts in promoting pickleball, it will develop into the most popular and famous ball game in Sibu,” Chieng enthused.

The event’s organising chairman, Ling Shii Ngie said the pickleball is gaining a place in the hearts of Malaysians.

The unique combination of badminton, tennis, and table tennis makes pickleball a sport that is not only fun but also challenging.

“Today, we gather not only to compete, but also to strengthen friendship and sportsmanship between us. This event is a good opportunity for us to get to know each other and exchange views and strategies in this game. Remember, winning is a bonus, but more important is the team spirit and the fun we have together,” Ling stated.

Meanwhile, in the event for category A men singles final, Shahrizan Sharif was first, Muhammad Zul Hilmi Abd Razak came in second and Ngu Thou Yaw was at third place.

For the Category B men doubles final, Ling Shii Ngie partnered with Ngu Thou Yaw came first followed by Shahrizan Sharif with Kiu Shin Chieh got second place and Terence Ting King Siew with Ngien Su Hock were at third place.

Margaret Anyi was the champion for the category C women singles final, while Vanesea Henry Engga was the first runner-up and Hwang Ing Siong, the second runner-up.

For category D women doubles, Morni Ibrahim with Magarent Anyi came first , followed by Yii Siew Mee with Vanesea Henry Engga second, and Hwang Ing Siong with Fung Meng Ha at third place.

In the Category E mixed doubles, Hwang Ing Siong with Shahrizan Sharif were the champion, Muhmmad Zul Hilmi Abd Razak with Vanesea Henry Engga were at second place, and Vivien Cho Siew Ping with Terence Ting King Siew settled for the third place.