‘Too Early to Tell’: Hannah Yeoh Noncommittal on Pickleball’s Potential Inclusion in Sukma 2026
Pickleball in the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) isn’t a sure thing just yet.
This is despite Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announcing in November 2024 that the state is planning to introduce pickleball as a medal sport in Sukma 2026.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh clarified that while there may be a plan in place, it is not a given that pickleball will, indeed, be added to Sukma 2026.
“I know that Selangor has announced it, but the Sukma committee will determine later,” Yeoh pointed out.
How Can Pickleball Be Part of Sukma 2026?
She then explained that pickleball’s possible inclusion will have to go through the same process as other sports: An application must be submitted to the Sukma committee, and it will be reviewed accordingly.
“For an event to remain in the Games, it must have the support of at least six states,” said Yeoh after the launch of the Jom Pickleball event in Kuala Lumpur recently. “Right now, it is still too early to determine whether it will be included in the 2026 games.”
Should pickleball fail to get support from at least six states, it won’t be included in Sukma 2026, Yeoh further said.
Despite the pending status of pickleball as a sport in the Malaysian Games, Yeoh nonetheless acknowledged that many states have invested quite a lot into pickleball, particularly on the distaff side.
“Of course, there are many complaints because some states have invested time and effort to train the athletes,” she said. “This always happens to women’s sports because the states are not investing enough in that game.”
The Sukma Games is a biennial national multi-sport event involving young athletes from Malaysia’s 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. Two racquet sports—badminton and squash—are included in the Games’ 13 core sports. It was last held in Sarawak from 17–24 August 2024. It will next be held in Selangor in 2026.
