SERIAN: The inaugural Anggerik Pickleball Tournament 1.0 2025 has marked a significant milestone for community-based sports development in Serian, highlighting the growing appeal of pickleball as a new and inclusive sporting activity in the district.

The two-day tournament, held from December 13 to 14, was organised by the Anggerik Pickleball Club (APC) in collaboration with the Management Committee of Masjid Nurul Ehsan, Taman Anggerik Indah Serian.

It featured Junior Doubles and Men’s Doubles categories, drawing players from Serian and surrounding areas.

Bukit Semuja Assemblyman, John Ilus, who attended the event during a walkabout session, described the tournament as a historic first for Serian, noting that it represents the district’s entry into the fast-growing pickleball scene in Sarawak.

He said the pickleball court at Taman Anggerik Indah is also the first of its kind in Serian, serving as an important catalyst for expanding access to the sport and encouraging broader community participation, particularly among youth and families.

Speaking after officiating the opening ceremony, John expressed his appreciation to APC and the Masjid Nurul Ehsan management committee for their initiative and commitment in successfully organising the tournament, adding that such community-driven efforts play a vital role in nurturing healthy lifestyles.

In support of broader community development, he also announced that a multipurpose hall for the residents of Taman Anggerik and Ayer Manis has been approved under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the N23 Bukit Semuja constituency, with construction expected to commence in the near future.

Looking ahead, John shared plans to explore the use of the new hall in Riih Daso as a future pickleball venue, aimed at further promoting the sport and increasing participation across the Bukit Semuja constituency. He also expressed readiness to allocate funding support for future pickleball tournaments as part of sustained efforts to strengthen grassroots sports.

The tournament not only promoted active and healthy living, but also served as a platform to strengthen social ties among residents, reflecting how emerging sports like pickleball can unite communities while opening new chapters in local sports development. -UKASnews