Miri Has Potential To Be Leading Pickleball Hub In Sarawak
MIRI: The city of Miri has the potential to emerge as one of the main hubs of pickleball in Sarawak, including as a location for organising international level tournaments, following the rapid development of the sport among the local community.
Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that the increase in community interest in pickleball as well as the continuous efforts of sports clubs and communities in promoting a healthy lifestyle act as catalysts for the positive development of the sport in Miri.
He said this when officiating the Santoh Master 2026 (July Series) Pickleball Competition at the Paragon Pickleball Centre, here on Saturday.
The two-day tournament brought together about 450 players, thus making it one of the biggest tournaments ever organised by Santoh Pickleball Club to date.
The Senadin Assemblyman added that pickleball is gaining ground due to its learning ease, fun and is suitable to be played by all ages, including children, young people and senior citizens.
"Pickleball is also a sport that can strengthen family ties because it can be played together by parents and children," he said.
In the meantime, he emphasised that sports not only function as a leisure activity, but also play an important role in uniting the community as well as fostering the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and mutual respect.
Dato Sri Lee also emphasised the importance of providing quality sports and recreation facilities in an effort to build a healthier and more active community.
In this regard, he welcomed the Sarawak Government's approval of two major recreational projects in Miri, namely the Permyjaya Sports Hub and the development of a new eco park at Miri Public Park, Jalan Miri Airport.
He said that the facility would provide more space for the community to play sports, have fun and spend quality time with the family.
In the same development, he expressed hope that more pickleball courts can be developed in Miri to support the organisation of larger-scale tournaments in the future. -UKASnews
