St. John Pickleball Cup 1.0 and the Future of Pickleball in Malaysia
By Shaden Hsing
On August 2, I had the privilege of serving as tournament director for the St. John Pickleball Cup 1.0, a landmark event for our local pickleball community.
The numbers spoke for themselves: 532 registered players across six categories, supported by 12 corporate sponsors, 300 spectators, 65 volunteers, and 42 referees/point judges. Over two days, 538 matches were completed on 16 courts—on time and in good spirit.
What made this tournament special was not just the size, but the standards we set. Eye protection was mandatory, without exception. Every match had referees, with line judges present throughout. Most importantly, we introduced Malaysia’s first pre-novice player check system, ensuring a fairer, more professional competition.
By local standards, where many tournaments are judged by the criticism they receive online, St. John Pickleball Cup 1.0 stood out for the positive feedback it earned. Instead of dwelling on the success, however, I would like to look forward—to the future of Malaysian pickleball, and what it will take for us to stand proudly on the world stage.
Pickleball’s Global and Local Growth
Through my work as a business consultant, I have traveled internationally more than 40 times in recent years. Everywhere I go—Vietnam, Taiwan, China, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Japan, Korea, Dubai, Oman—I see how fast pickleball is growing. Backed by international federations and leagues such as CAPPA, PPA, and WPA, pickleball has become a global sport.
In Asia, Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing countries for pickleball, with participation up 400% between 2024 and 2025. More than 400 courts are expected to be completed nationwide in 2025. From world-class facilities like PSC and KLGCC, to air-conditioned courts at 91 Arena, to community venues like Mont Kiara Pickleball Club, Malaysia now offers playing environments unmatched in the region.
But growth alone does not guarantee excellence. We must ask: Are we truly developing strong players, or just expanding quickly?
Key Challenges for Malaysian Pickleball
1. Scoring Formats
In Malaysia, most tournaments use Rally 15 or Rally 21. While these formats allow faster games and more participants, they do little to build stamina, strategy, or high-level skills. On average, a Rally 15 game lasts only 6–8 minutes.
Internationally, however, players rely on traditional 002 scoring and Rally 21. When I competed in Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, and Chiang Mai, no one had even heard of Rally 15.
If Malaysia wants to compete abroad, we must move beyond convenience and adopt globally recognized formats.
2. Tournament Standards
Some local tournaments, despite strong sponsorship and premium entry fees, fall short of professional standards. I have seen events with only three certified referees for 16 courts, no line judges, no main scoreboard, and matches delayed until 2 a.m.
On the same weekend as the St. John Cup, seven other tournaments were scheduled—one canceled due to low turnout, others scrambling to fill spots. This “money-first” approach dilutes quality, frustrates players, and undermines credibility.
Malaysia needs fewer but better tournaments, run with fairness and proper organization.
3. Coaching Standards
While certified coaches are increasing, certification does not always mean qualification. Too often, new coaches lack the ability to demonstrate even basic strokes such as serving, dinking, or drop shots.
A true coach should not only know the rules, but also demonstrate skills, guide strategy, and build the right mindset. Without a strong coaching foundation, Malaysia risks losing talented young players who might otherwise rise to international levels.
4. The DUPR Obsession
Many players are fixated on their DUPR ratings, sometimes even manipulating them. But DUPR is only a tool—it does not measure humility, teamwork, or maturity.
In the long run, the right mindset will develop stronger players than any rating system ever could.
A Lifetime Sport With a Bigger Purpose
Pickleball is more than competition—it is a lifetime sport. I have witnessed people transform their lives through it:
A friend who lost 8 kg in three months and regained his confidence.
A housewife who, after 22 years at home, began coaching children through pickleball.
Players who found relief from stress, depression, or isolation through the joy of the game.
This is why corporate support and funding are essential. Schools are already adopting pickleball as part of extracurricular programs, and more companies can contribute through CSR, wellness initiatives, or insurance partnerships.
The Way Forward
Malaysia has the facilities, sponsors, and enthusiasm to become a true pickleball powerhouse. But to reach that level, we must:
Embrace international scoring standards.
Improve tournament quality and organization.
Build a solid coaching foundation.
Focus on community, fairness, and sportsmanship.
If we can align growth with professionalism, Malaysia will not only be the fastest-growing pickleball nation, but also one of the most respected.
The paddle is in our hands. Let’s play it right.
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