MIRI: Miri has the potential to emerge as one of the nation’s pickleball talent development hubs in nurturing a new generation of players capable of competing at national and international levels.

Miri Mayor and Pujut Assemblyman Adam Yii Siew Sang said the city’s status as the birthplace of pickleball in Sarawak should be harnessed to advance the sport, particularly by cultivating young talent.

“We should not be content simply because Miri is where pickleball first took root in Sarawak. Instead, let us make Miri one of the centres shaping the future of Malaysian pickleball,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Closing and Prize-Giving Ceremony of the Sarawak Junior Open Pickleball Championship (SJOPC) 2.0 2026 at AGM Pickleball Court Miri on Tuesday.

Adam added that pickleball has continued to gain momentum in Sarawak, supported by the provision of courts, establishment of clubs and associations, involvement of coaches and organisation of tournaments, thus providing more opportunities for youths to take up the sport.

He said junior tournaments not only provide a platform for players to hone their skills and gain competitive experience, but are also important in instilling discipline, teamwork, confidence and character among young athletes.

“When we invest in their development, we are not merely producing athletes, but also future leaders who understand discipline, teamwork and how to handle pressure,” he said.

He also reminded young players not to regard victory as the sole measure of success, but to treat every win and defeat as part of the learning process to address weaknesses and build resilience.

Adam expressed hope that the momentum behind pickleball development in Miri would continue, paving the way for players to become champions at Sarawak and national levels before eventually representing Malaysia on the international stage.

Organised by the Sarawak Pickleball Association, SJOPC 2.0 2026 runs from 31 August to 2 September, featuring Under-12, Under-15 and Under-18 categories under the theme ‘Dream Big. Play Strong. Every Player Belongs’.

Also present were Sarawak Pickleball Association President Delima Ibrahim, Miri Division Youth and Sports Office representative Stephanie Wendy Stamford and AGM Pickle Club Chairman Desmond Sim. -UKASnews