KUCHING SARAWAK, 21 MARCH 2025 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is proud to announce the MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG2025), the first of its kind in Malaysia. This landmark event will serve as a key initiative in positioning Malaysia as a premier sports tourism destination, bringing together top international pickleball players while promoting inbound tourism and domestic attractions.
Scheduled to take place from 7 - 20 October 2025 at PIKABOL, Malaysia’s Pickleball Powerhouse, Kuching, this first ever tournament is expected to attract many international players and enthusiasts.
Endorsed by the Malaysia Pickleball Association, Sarawak Pickleball Association, and Kuching Pickleball Association, and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the MPG2025 is set to kick start the further development of pickleball as a competitive and recreational sport for the people and developing domestic and inbound tourism.
MATTA had signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Malaysia Pickleball Association, marking the start of a long-term collaboration in developing pickleball in the country and boosting sports tourism.
The tournament will feature multiple categories, including team events and individual events of men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, across different skill levels and age groups. With a total pool prize value of RM100,000.00, the largest cash prize in the region, the event is expected to draw top-ranked international players, offering a great competitive experience while showcasing Malaysia’s diverse tourism attractions.
The Team Event will take place from 7–13 October, featuring 64 teams of 12 players each. The Individual Events including Junior Category will follow from 15–20 October, targeting 320 participants in the Individual Open and 192 in the Junior Category, making this a grand stage for both underdogs and professional players.
This tournament is a major boost for sports tourism, with over 1,350 participants and a projected total of more than 2,600 visitors. MPG2025 is set to be a landmark event for Sarawak and Malaysia’s sports tourism industry, contributing an estimated RM31.6 million in tourism spending and further establishing Sarawak as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.
Speaking on this initiative, MATTA President, Nigel Wong stated: “As part of our commitment to promoting sports tourism, MATTA is taking the lead in establishing the Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam as an annual event. This tournament not only elevates Malaysia’s standing in the international sports scene but also encourages inbound and domestic tourism, giving international players and visitors a good opportunity to experience our country’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. By integrating sports and tourism, we want to create a lasting impact on the economy and position Malaysia as a must-visit sports tourism hub.”
With MATTA spearheading the organisation and promotion, this event is in line with Malaysia’s vision of strengthening its tourism sector through innovative and high-impact program and activity. The MPG2025 is set to become a not-to-be-missed event that promotes sports, healthy living, community engagement, international collaboration, and long-term tourism growth and development.