The inaugural Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025 has officially made history, establishing itself as Malaysia’s first sanctioned national pickleball championship.
Held in Kuala Lumpur on 11 December 2025, the tournament brought together emerging juniors, seasoned athletes, and former national sports icons for a weekend packed with electrifying rallies and high-intensity matches—all competing for national ranking points and championship titles.
Organised by the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur Pickleball Association (KLPA), the event marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward building a structured, competitive ecosystem for one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
With every match officiated under national standards and every medal tied to official ranking points, the tournament represents a defining step for pickleball’s legitimacy as a recognised competitive sport in the country.
A Championship That Unites Junior and Senior Athletes
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025 was the diversity of its competitors. From young players under the age of 12 to senior athletes in 35+ categories, the tournament showcased pickleball’s unmatched inclusivity.
The courts saw emerging juniors with exceptional hunger, adult players mastering strategy, and former national athletes testing their competitive spirit in a new arena.
In the Women’s Singles Open (19 & 35) Category, Laurel Yong Loong Er delivered a commanding performance to secure the championship title. She was joined on the podium by Foo Bee Fon, the 1st runner-up, and Lim Xin Yu, who finished 3rd. The winners were awarded their medals by MPA President, Ms. Delima Ibrahim, alongside representatives from Gatorade and Etika.
The Men’s Singles 35+ category also delivered nail-biting moments, with Mohd Faizal Bin Othman claiming the championship title. Ritchie Lee finished as 1st runner-up, while Ahmad Hazeeq secured 3rd place. Their dynamic play and electrifying rallies earned loud cheers from the crowd, proving that Malaysian pickleball has talent worth watching.
Voices of Inspiration from the Court
Numerous players shared heartfelt reflections on their experience. Men’s Singles 35+ champion Mohd Faizal expressed deep gratitude, dedicating his win to his family and crediting the tournament as a vital platform for athletes to grow. “Events like these inspire younger players to elevate their game,” he said.
Women’s Singles Open 2nd runner-up Lim Xin Yu echoed the same enthusiasm, sharing her hope that pickleball will one day be featured in SUKMA, the SEA Games, and even the Olympics. Her passion reflects the rising ambition among Malaysian pickleball athletes who are ready to take the sport to greater heights.
Junior players, too, shone brightly throughout the tournament. Boys Doubles U18 champion Dzarif Dzakwan shared how the experience motivated him to keep improving on and off the court. His words mirror the sentiments of many young players who now see pickleball as more than recreation—it is a pathway to self-improvement and athletic excellence.
Gatorade’s Role in Empowering Grassroots Sports
As the global sports drink trusted by elite athletes, Gatorade played a key role in supporting the championship. Beyond hydration, the brand is committed to nurturing young talent, empowering grassroots sports, and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. Their involvement ensures that junior players—not just established athletes—receive recognition, opportunities, and the support they need to accelerate their growth.
MPA Competition Chairwoman Delima Ibrahim praised Gatorade’s commitment to inclusiveness:
“Their involvement helps grow the sport at all levels, from grassroots to competitive athletes refining their skills.”
This partnership marks an encouraging step toward creating a sustainable, structured pickleball ecosystem where young talents can flourish.
Pickleball’s Meteoric Rise in Malaysia
Pickleball’s rapid ascent in Malaysia is nothing short of extraordinary. In just one year, the sport has grown to over 143,000 active players across 400+ courts, making Malaysia the No.1 pickleball nation in Asia and one of the top three fastest-growing countries globally.
Its appeal lies in its accessibility—easy to learn, low-impact yet fast-paced—and suitable for players of all ages. As more venues, training pathways, and official competitions emerge, Malaysia is quickly setting the foundation for a future where pickleball becomes a mainstream sport with national and international representation.
A Promising Future Ahead
The Gatorade Malaysia Closed 2025 has proven one thing: Malaysia’s pickleball future is bright. With strong backing from corporate partners, a growing community, and passionate athletes rising through the ranks, the sport is on an unstoppable trajectory.
As more tournaments, coaching programmes, and grassroots initiatives unfold, Malaysia is well on its way to becoming a regional powerhouse in pickleball—both recreationally and competitively.
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