The Meteoric Rise: How Malaysia Became a Global Pickleball Powerhouse

Pickleball, once a niche sport, has rapidly become one of Malaysia's most talked-about recreational phenomena. In just the past 12 months, Malaysia has emerged as a major regional hub for pickleball, with a meteoric rise in player registrations, venue openings, and community-led events. Kuala Lumpur now ranks second globally for DUPR user registrations, behind only Austin, Texas. This is not just a fad—it's a movement. 

Much of the sport’s growth is driven by grassroots efforts and strategic organisational leadership. The Malaysian Pickleball Association (MPA) has played a central role in expanding the sport's reach by standardising rules, encouraging club formations, and promoting digital integration via DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). According to DUPR’s 2025 global data report, Malaysia now ranks as the second-highest country globally in DUPR user registrations, behind only the United States. Kuala Lumpur has retained its position as the most active DUPR city outside North America, with year-on-year growth exceeding 120%. There are now over 350 DUPR-registered clubs across Malaysia, with steady expansion into semi-urban and smaller city markets. DUPR’s 2025 annual review described Malaysia as a "model of how digital infrastructure and community passion can catalyse national sporting transformation," highlighting its remarkable pace of growth and user engagement. 

State governments are also catching on. Sarawak has been particularly proactive, investing in community awareness and exploring long-term integration of pickleball into its public sports ecosystem. Selangor and Johor have also demonstrated notable support, with local councils facilitating venue access and working with community leaders to promote grassroots adoption. 

Simultaneously, the rise in open plays, community matches, and competitive tournaments has created a strong ecosystem that caters to all levels of players—from casual enthusiasts to serious competitors. The frequency and scale of these events have increased dramatically since 2024, further amplifying public interest. 

Adding to this momentum is the powerful role of social media. Malaysian influencers and content creators on platforms like Instagram and TikTok have embraced pickleball, showcasing its energetic pace and social nature. Viral videos, skill tutorials, and venue tours have made the sport more visible and relatable, especially among the younger demographic. 

Combine these government efforts, grassroots events, and digital storytelling with Malaysia's digitally savvy youth and growing interest in lifestyle sports, and you have the perfect conditions for rapid growth. 

Yet, with growth comes complexity—a theme we’ll explore further in the next posts of this series.