The 2nd Borneo Pickleball International Tournament is coming to Kuching, Sarawak from October 7–12, 2026, and it promises to be bigger, louder, and more impactful than its debut two years ago. Nearly 500 players from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, and beyond are expected to compete, while close to 2,000 visitors will flock to the city—making this not just a sporting event, but a showcase of Sarawak’s growing sports tourism ambitions.
The prize pool has been set at RM80,000, one of the richest ever for pickleball in Borneo. Champion teams will pocket RM20,000, while individual winners will take home RM3,000 each, along with trophies and medals. For a sport still carving its niche in Asia, that’s a statement of intent.
More Than Just Your Average Tournament
Competition will be fierce across five team disciplines: Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Doubles, Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s Veteran Doubles (50+), and Mixed Open Doubles (combined age 90+). Individual events will also be staged, giving players more opportunities to shine and fans more reasons to cheer.
Sarawak’s Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, has made it clear—this tournament is part of the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030. Sports tourism is a pillar of that plan, and pickleball is now a vehicle to attract international visitors, strengthen community ties, and promote healthy living.
The organizers are also looking ahead. A junior competition, the OCI–Sarawak Closed Junior Pickleball Tournament 2026, will be held in late September, ensuring that the next generation of athletes gets its chance to grow in the sport.
The first edition in 2024 was historic, marking Malaysia’s and Borneo’s first major team pickleball championship. With 500 players and 1,000 spectators, it set the foundation. This year’s expanded format, richer prize pool, and broader participation show how quickly the sport—and Sarawak’s ambitions—have grown.
The Bigger Picture
Pickleball may be new to many, but in Sarawak it is becoming a symbol of opportunity. The Borneo Pickleball International Tournament is more than a competition—it’s a statement that Sarawak is ready to stand tall as a regional hub for sports tourism. And come October, the courts in Kuching will tell that story one rally at a time.
Players can already secure their spots through pickleball.global. With the buzz building, slots are expected to fill quickly.
