Nation’s first official pickleball championship crowns junior and senior champions, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth and inclusivity.
Kuala Lumpur, 11 December 2025 – The inaugural Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025,
the nation’s first-ever official pickleball championship, concluded this past weekend
with thrilling matches, fierce competition, and memorable highlights that brought
Malaysia’s best players together on one court.
Competitors battled not just for medals, but for official national ranking points,
marking a major step toward establishing pickleball as a recognised competitive
sport in Malaysia. Emerging talents, junior athletes, and seasoned players delivered
fast-paced rallies and strategic play that reflected Malaysia’s rapidly growing
pickleball community.
Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025, organized by the Malaysia Pickleball Association
(MPA) in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Pickleball Association (KLPA), all
matches were officiated under national standards. Winners earned ranking points to
climb Malaysia’s official pickleball ladder, on top of championship titles that
celebrate their skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Left to right: Ritchie Lee (1st Runner Up), Mohd Faizal Bin Othman (Champion), and Ahmad Hazeeq (2nd Runner-Up)
The tournament drew a diverse field, from promising juniors to former national
sportsmen—illustrating pickleball’s increasing appeal as both a recreational game
and a serious competitive platform. The event showcased a sport beginning to
transition into a structured national ecosystem, supported by official rules, coaching
pathways, and competitive progression.
“We’re delighted to have Gatorade supporting the inaugural Malaysia Closed 2025,”
said Delima Ibrahim, the Competition Chairwoman of the Malaysia Pickleball
Association. “Their involvement helps grow the sport at all levels, especially from
the grassroot and junior levels who are discovering pickleball as a hobby, to
competitive athletes refining their skills. It’s encouraging to see corporate partners
like them who share our vision of building an inclusive and sustainable pickleball
community.”
Tournament Highlights
The Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025 featured multiple categories across all age
groups, from Under 12 and Under 15 juniors to adult divisions, bringing together
Malaysia’s emerging and established pickleball talent. National stars such as
Keevan Raj, former national hockey player, and Izran Farroukh, ex-SUKMA tennis
player, competed at the highest level, delivering fast-paced, thrilling matches that
highlighted the sport’s growing popularity and inclusive appeal.
Adult categories produced memorable moments, with Mohd Faizal Bin Othman,
Men’s Singles 35+ champion, dedicating his victory to his family: “I’m grateful for
Gatorade’s support and the opportunities this tournament provides for athletes and
the pickleball community. Events like these inspire younger players to elevate their
game.”
Lim Xin Yu, 2nd Runner-Up in the Women’s Singles Open, added: “I’m thrilled to
have secured 3rd place. A big thank you to Gatorade for organizing this
tournament-I hope to see more events like this, and I dream of pickleball one day
being part of SUKMA, the SEA Games, and even the Olympics.”
As a global brand trusted by elite athletes and the sports drink of choice for players,
Gatorade also has a special focus on grassroots development, supporting young
talent and helping them discover their potential. The junior players shone throughout
the tournament, demonstrating skill, determination, and passion for the sport. Boys
Doubles U18 champion Dzarif Dzakwan said, “I feel amazing to be part of this
tournament. It motivates me to keep improving both on and off the court.”
Pickleball in Malaysia: A Rapid Rise
Once a niche pastime, pickleball has exploded in Malaysia over the past year. The
country is now the No.1 pickleball nation in Asia and among the top three
fastest-growing nations globally, with over 143,000 active players competing across
more than 400 courts nationwide. With new venues, community events, and a strong
national tournament schedule, the sport is rapidly gaining popularity across all age
groups.
Globally, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport, thanks to its accessibility,
fast-paced yet low-impact gameplay, and broad appeal. Malaysia is now beginning
to emulate this model, laying the foundations for a sustainable, inclusive, and
competitive pickleball ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters national pride.
For winners listings by categories, please see HERE.
