Sibu Makes History With First Inter-School Pickleball Tournament

Credits to: Borneo Post (https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/09/05/sibu-hosts-malaysias-first-inter-school-pickleball-tournament/)

Sibu marked a national first as the Sibu Division Inter-School Pickleball Tournament 2025 (https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/09/05/sibu-hosts-malaysias-first-inter-school-pickleball-tournament/) opened at the SMI Pickleball Centre, a two-day championship (https://www.sarawaktribune.com/sibu-creates-history-with-inaugural-school-pickleball-tournament/) featuring 16 teams from 13 secondary schools, organized by the Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA). The ceremony was officiated by Bukit Assek assemblyman and SPA president Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.

According to Malaysian Pickleball Association acting president Delima Ibrahim, the event is believed to be the first inter-secondary school pickleball competition in Malaysia.

Chieng saluted the sport’s momentum in Malaysia and its impact on youth development. “It is easy to learn, fun to play, and most importantly, it builds discipline, teamwork, and resilience,” said Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.

The surge is quantifiable. On April 30, 11 secondary schools in Sibu officially formed pickleball clubs—what Chieng called “a remarkable start” for youth sport development. On June 7, SPA ran a Level 1 Certified Coaches Course (https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community-sports/2025/06/19/first-pickleball-instructor-course-held-in-sibu) with 34 trainees, including two from Kuching and four from Sarikei; all completed the program, he added.

Chieng urged athletes to pair ambition with values. “Through this competition, I hope our students will not only compete with passion, but also learn the values of sportsmanship—respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and the game itself,” said Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.

Credits to: Borneo Post (https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/09/05/sibu-hosts-malaysias-first-inter-school-pickleball-tournament/)

Beyond medals, the tournament doubles as a talent ID platform. SPA will select players for the Sibu Under-18 team from the event, with Chieng expressing confidence that new stars will rise to represent Sibu, Sarawak, and even Malaysia at national and international levels.