Selangor International Draws Global Stars & Boosts SEA Pickleball
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The Selangor International Pickleball Tournament 2025, held in Malaysia, successfully brought together elite players from over 10 countries and attracted participation from Malaysian national athletes from other sports, marking a significant event for pickleball's growth in Southeast Asia.
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The burgeoning sport of pickleball in Southeast Asia reached a notable milestone with the successful execution of the Selangor International Pickleball Tournament 2025. The tournament took place from May 10 to May 12 at the 91 Pickleball Club House in Malaysia, becoming a central point for the region's fastest-growing racket sport. The event successfully attracted a diverse pool of participants, including elite players from more than 10 countries, such as the USA, China, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines.
Organised through the collaborative efforts of the Subang Jaya Pickleball Club and MyPickleball, and supported by local associations including MPP MBSJ, Selangor Pickleball Association, and the Malaysia Pickleball Association, the tournament effectively combined top-tier athleticism with strong community passion. The event was also proudly sponsored by JW Pacific Express.
Adding a layer of prominence and star power to the tournament was the attendance and participation of Malaysian national athletes from various other sporting disciplines. This included notable figures such as badminton legends Koo Kien Keat and Chan Peng Soon, footballers Intan Serah and Steffi Sarge Kaur, and field hockey icons Dato’ Mirnawan Nawawi and Keevan Raj. The involvement of these established national athletes from different sports underscored the broadening appeal of pickleball and its ability to attract talent and interest beyond its traditional base.
Gee, the Tournament Director of the event, commented on its success. He stated that the event exceeded all expectations, not only in terms of skill and competition but also in spirit. Gee highlighted the experience of seeing players from around the world, from different backgrounds, sharing courts and culture in one space, emphasising that this embodies what pickleball is about. He confidently stated that Malaysia is ready to lead the charge for pickleball in Asia.
Adrian Cheah, Managing Director of Chariot Agency, a partner collaborator for the event, affirmed the sport's growing recognition. Cheah stated that pickleball is not just a passing trend; it is being recognised, taught, and supported by the relevant ministries in Malaysia. He noted that the necessary infrastructure is building and the talent pool is growing. Cheah also suggested that now is the opportune time for brands looking to engage with a sport that offers scale, inclusivity, and strong community roots to take pickleball seriously, as it is "here to stay". Chariot Agency, as the lead creative agency behind the tournament's identity and communication strategy, is now positioned at the forefront of pickleball sport advertising in Southeast Asia.
The Selangor International Pickleball Tournament 2025 featured competition across various categories, including Group Event, Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Men's Singles, and Mixed Junior Singles, with winners crowned in each. This international event underscores pickleball's increasing appeal and solidifies its position as a sport with significant potential for continued growth and development in the Southeast Asian region.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The Selangor International Pickleball Tournament successfully cemented pickleball's rising status in Southeast Asia by attracting an international field of elite players and drawing participation from local national athletes from other sports. The event's success, acknowledged by the tournament director and local agencies, validates the sport's growing infrastructure, recognition, and community support in Malaysia and the wider region. This tournament serves as a strong indicator that Southeast Asia is becoming a significant hub for pickleball talent and competition, signaling promising potential for the sport's future development and commercial opportunities.