Malaysia Emerges as a Surprising Pickleball Hotspot in Asia
What's the Score?
Malaysia is rapidly becoming a significant hub for pickleball in Asia, currently ranking third globally in terms of users on the skill rating app DUPR, trailing only the US and Canada. The country boasts a rapidly developing infrastructure, with 300 registered DUPR clubs leading the way in Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is ranked just behind Austin, Texas, in city-wise DUPR user rankings, demonstrating the sport's significant growth in the Southeast Asian nation.
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While North America remains the heartland of pickleball, the sport's future is increasingly taking shape in Asia, with Malaysia emerging as a particularly impressive growth area. Data from DUPR reveals a "silent revolution" occurring in Malaysia, where the number of users on the application has surged, placing the country ahead of all other nations outside of the US and Canada. This is particularly notable in a country where badminton is the dominant racquet sport, with a strong infrastructure and a deep pool of talented players, including Olympic medalists. However, pickleball's accessibility and ease of learning have attracted many locals, as it doesn't typically require prior training, making it a popular recreational activity.
Malaysia is the second-fastest-growing country in Asia in terms of attracting new pickleball players, second only to South Korea. The passion for the sport is evident in the city-wise rankings, with Kuala Lumpur's DUPR user base being comparable to that of a major US pickleball hub like Austin, Texas. A key milestone in this growth was the launch of Pickleball Stadium at Kenanga Wholesale City in Kuala Lumpur, which offers free training for schoolchildren, indicating a focus on developing the sport at the grassroots level.
The infrastructure supporting pickleball in Malaysia is expanding rapidly, with 300 registered DUPR clubs providing organized play and opportunities for players to receive skill-based ratings. The state of Sarawak is also becoming a pickleball powerhouse under the Sarawak Pickleball Association, hosting major tournaments like the Grand Slam and offering free coaching clinics for youths. The growth of pickleball in Malaysia is further supported by domestic tournaments like the Panas Cup, Pickleball Grand Slam, and Flying Pickleball Team Championships, which receive strong corporate backing and government support, creating a thriving environment for the sport to flourish.
While other Asian countries like Vietnam, India, China, and South Korea are also experiencing rapid growth in pickleball, Malaysia's quiet but significant rise in player registrations on DUPR is particularly noteworthy. The country's intent to capitalize on the sport's growing popularity and build a solid foundation for the future suggests that Malaysia will continue to be a key player in the global expansion of pickleball. With three of the top five fastest-growing countries for pickleball located in Asia, the continent's increasing importance in the sport's global footprint is undeniable.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Malaysia's emergence as a leading pickleball hotspot in Asia is a surprising and significant development in the global landscape of the sport. The high number of DUPR users, the rapid development of infrastructure including clubs and dedicated stadiums, and the strong support from both corporate and government entities indicate a deep-rooted and rapidly growing passion for pickleball within the country. In a region dominated by other racquet sports like badminton, pickleball's accessibility and ease of learning have clearly resonated with the Malaysian population. Kuala Lumpur's ranking alongside major US pickleball cities highlights the intensity of this growth. Malaysia's focus on youth development through free training programs suggests a long-term commitment to the sport. This quiet revolution in Southeast Asia positions Malaysia as a crucial hub for pickleball in Asia and a significant contributor to the sport's ongoing global expansion.