KUCHING: A total cash prize of RM100,000 awaits the winners of the MATTA Malaysia Pickleball Grand Slam 2025 (MPG2025) scheduled to take place at PIKABOL-Malaysia’s Pickleball Powerhouse from 7 to 20 October.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the total cash prize, being the largest of its kind in the region, is expected to attract top-tier players and inspire more Malaysians to take up the sport.
“On behalf of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, I would like to express our full support for the organisation of this event.
“We look forward to welcoming all players, officials, and sports enthusiasts to Sarawak for what promises to be an exciting and memorable championship,” he said.
He said this through a text of speech read by MTCP Deputy Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew during the MPG2025 press conference at Baitulmakmur 2 here, on Friday.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that more than 1,350 participants from both within Malaysia and abroad, along with an expected turnout of over 2,600 visitors, will liven up the tournament and generate a significant economic impact for the state.
According to him, this would boost the tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, and retail sectors while positioning Sarawak as a preferred destination for international sporting events.
The tournament will feature various categories including team events and individual events for men's, women's and mixed doubles, covering various skill levels and age groups.
Also held during the press conference was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony between the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and the Malaysian Pickleball Association to strengthen the foundation of long-term cooperation in efforts to develop pickleball as well as enhance its impact on tourism in Sarawak and Malaysia.
Also present were President of MATTA, Nigel Wong, MTCP Acting Permanent Secretary, Desmond Douglas Jerukan, Chairman of MATTA Sarawak, Oscar Choo, and other dignitaries. -UKASnews
