Malaysia’s Pickleball Rise: WPC Asia Series and New Elite Venues
What's the Score?
Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a major hub for pickleball in Asia. The country boasts the largest user base of DUPR in Asia and is set to host a key stop on the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Asia Series in Kuala Lumpur in July 2025. This growth is supported by the opening of new, state-of-the-art facilities, such as Dink! Pickle Daily in Petaling Jaya. Sports analysts and leaders in Malaysia view pickleball's rise as an opportunity for growth and not a threat to established sports like badminton and tennis.
Hit it deeper!
Malaysia's ascent in the pickleball world is highlighted by several key developments. The country has the largest user base of DUPR in Asia, a significant indicator of widespread participation and competitive engagement. This "meteoric rise" is further cemented by Malaysia being chosen to host an event in the World Pickleball Championship - 2025 Asia Series. The WPC is described as the largest and longest-running pickleball championship series globally, having hosted over 80 events across four continents and involving more than 15 countries. The Asia Series stop in Kuala Lumpur in July 2025 will be Malaysia's first time hosting a WPC event, bringing a "global spotlight" to the country's growing pickleball community. WPC events offer a "gatekeeper-free zone" where players of all levels can compete, focusing on inclusivity, competition, and passion. The series utilises WPC Ranking for top players and Global Pickleball Ranking (GPR) for amateur/age-group matches, integrated with Pickleball Global. WPC Championship prize pools can reach up to USD 100,000, with Asia events often attracting between 1,000 to 2,000 players.
Supporting this growth is the development of new playing facilities. A recent grand opening was held for Dink! Pickle Daily in Petaling Jaya, described as a "vibrant new addition" to Malaysia's pickleball scene. Founded by Katherine and Benny, the facility boasts eight premium-level indoor courts. It includes features designed "by players for players," with thought put into creating an excellent playing environment. Dink! Pickle Daily offers two courts with full-height netting suitable for drilling and coaching, and a mini court that is free to use and suitable for family games with complimentary kids' paddles available. The facility also provides a cosy cafe and lounge area, described as having the "best washroom in town" with full amenities, and ample free indoor parking space that can also host outdoor events. The founders plan to introduce a structured coaching and academy program. The facility is open daily from 7 AM to 12 AM, with court booking available online and offering deals including off-peak promos and ball machine rentals.
The rapid growth of pickleball in Malaysia has prompted discussion about its impact on other racket sports. However, local sports analyst Mohd Sadek Mustafa and Acting President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Datuk V. Subramaniam, argue that pickleball is not a threat to established sports like badminton and tennis. They point out that badminton and tennis are already well-developed. Instead, they see pickleball as offering new sporting opportunities for Malaysians, benefiting communities, the sports industry, and even contributing to economic growth through marketing and sports equipment. Subramaniam emphasised that "Badminton is badminton. Pickleball is pickleball," and welcomed all sports as a way to keep people united. The Honorary Secretary of the Kuala Lumpur Lawn Tennis Association, Maria Fauzana Ghazali, acknowledged a perceived threat in terms of talent recruitment but felt it was "okay" in other aspects, highlighting that pickleball is easy to pick up and a great way for people to stay healthy. This positive view from sports leaders suggests a supportive environment for pickleball's continued expansion.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The information from the sources strongly indicates that Malaysia has solidified its position as a leading force in Asian pickleball. The country's massive DUPR user base, the influx of high-quality facilities like Dink! Pickle Daily, and the significant achievement of hosting a WPC Asia Series event all point to a sport that is not just growing, but thriving. The positive reception from national sports bodies and analysts, viewing pickleball as a beneficial addition rather than a competitive threat to established sports, creates a fertile ground for further development. Malaysia's rapid adoption and embrace of pickleball, including attracting international tournaments and building dedicated infrastructure, positions it as a key player in the sport's global expansion, particularly within the Asian continent.