Pickleball is no new topic to the sporting world. Despite only making its debut in Malaysia in 2019, the sport has gained major momentum over the past few years. What started as an unfamiliar hybrid game has evolved into a fast-growing community movement. Today, pickleball is not just a casual pastime; it is a full-blown sport attracting players of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels.
In the heart of urban Malaysia, the game has steadily transformed from a leisure activity enjoyed among friends and families into cordial competitions, garnering attention and hosting of games by major corporations and entities. High-profile tournaments such as the AmBank Malaysia Pickleball Championship and the Alliance Bank KL Open Pickleball Championship are expected in quarter two of 2025. These events will not only elevate pickleball’s visibility but will also build credibility for the game as a serious, organised sport that is carving a new lane in Malaysia’s sporting landscape.
But what exactly is Pickleball? Why are people so drawn to it?
While it seems like a recent trend, the onset of pickleball actually dates back to 1965 in the United States. It was created for family entertainment purposes, started with a badminton court, homemade wooden paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. Over time, the game evolved, adopting its own set of rules, standard equipment, and professional organisations. Yet, it retained its original charm that made it so universally appealing: it is accessible, adaptable, easy to learn, and deeply social. Whether you are a 15-year-old beginner or a 63-year-old retiree, pickleball has space for you on the court.
A deep dive into the awareness and familiarity levels of Malaysians towards pickleball reveals promising signs of growth. By Q4’2024, awareness levels peaked at 72% before dipping slightly to 63% in Q1’2025, both above the 50% mark and suggesting a widespread recognition of the sport among Malaysians. Likewise, conversion into play followed a similar trend. In Q4’2024, 35% of Malaysians in urban areas have either tried or regularly played the game. Whereas in Q1’2025, this figure stood at 30%.
While the numbers showed a slight dip and may seem notable in 2025 overall, it aligns with seasonal and cultural patterns rather than indicating a real decline in long-term interest. Two contextual factors may explain the temporary slowdown in pickleball’s adoption and awareness.
Firstly, the onset of Ramadan in March 2025 significantly influenced player availability and the broader marketing efforts. During this month, many Malaysians tend to adjust their daily routines to accommodate fasting and spiritual practices, often limiting participation in physically demanding activities. As a result, sports like pickleball may experience lower turnout, fewer sessions, and reduced marketing efforts that minimise exposure.
Secondly, shifts in media coverage and consumer focus tend to occur post-holiday season. The laid-back atmosphere often transitions into a more engaged and concentrated one, in which many would pick up a more career-focused or education-focused mindset, with less interest in recreational exploration. Media would also be pivoted away from leisure content, focusing instead on education, financial planning and health schemes of a new-year cycle. All of which indicates less attention on pickleball.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that within those fluctuations, pickleball’s adoption stage is solidly within the “early majority” segment in Malaysia, made up of pragmatists that form the base of long-term sustainability in any trend. This group of adopters is cautious but open-minded, believes in evidence and peer validation before committing. Checking the box includes the gradual surge in pickleball court developments, both in public and private spaces, and word-of-mouth for testimonials, typically from friends, colleagues, and families.
The adoption cycle is further substantiated by data on playing frequency. Earlier adopters are transitioning into habitual players, turning pickleball from a casual pastime into their life routine. In Q1’2025, pickleball players reported an average of 4.2 game sessions per month, a huge increase from 1.5 sessions in Q4’2024. Precisely speaking, in Q1’2025, more players were engaging the game either every day or weekly (38%) when compared to Q4’2024 (14%). This trend suggests that the culture is shifting from curiosity to habit, and it is a huge step forward in the adoption cycle.
Moving on, the current profile of pickleball players paints a clear picture of the game’s appeal. The average age of players in Malaysia stands at 32.6, skewing toward a younger, more active adult audience. A significant portion comes from the PMEB (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Business Owners) category, with an average monthly household income of RM10,175 and predominantly based in Klang Valley.
This demographic showcases the attractive qualities of pickleball. Among these individuals who are generally socially active but time-starved, pickleball fits into their lifestyle. Besides being their recreational activity, it is something they could easily afford, access, practice wellness, and create networking and social opportunities.
Pickleball Will Be A Mainstream Sports
Overall, we believe the bigger picture here is clear: the future of pickleball in Malaysia is promising and is on a steady trajectory. Awareness is already widespread, and engagement is deepening. As pickleball has passed its experimental phase into a more established sport, we are witnessing the arrival of the early majority, a group that is pragmatic and eager to embrace what the sport has to offer.
As we look ahead, the expansion of dedicated pickleball courts, creative marketing campaigns, and a year filled with exciting tournaments are all key elements that will contribute to the sport’s popularity in Malaysia. With these developments, 2025 stands to be a pivotal year, marking a vibrant chapter in the evolution of pickleball across the nation.
Let’s keep a close eye on this rising sport as it transitions from a trend to a mainstream phenomenon, complete with its own Grand Slams. It will be exciting to see how it continues to grow, especially here in Malaysia. If you’re interested in diving deeper with us, feel free to reach out at theteam@oppotus.com.
