Ex-schoolmates of SMK Georgetown playing a friendly pickleball match in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Community hubs unite generations as sport grows, with over 50 venues across the state
PENANG has a proud tradition in racquet sports, having produced legends like Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei in badminton and Datuk Nicol David in squash.
It is of no surprise that pickleball – a sport combining quick table tennis-style rallies with a tennis-like ball on a badminton- sized court, quickly gained popularity in the state.
Easy to learn yet thrilling to compete in, the sport has become a social glue bringing seniors, working adults and even schoolchildren together.
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Pickleball’s rapid expansion has seen existing courts repurposed, with new facilities – from rooftops to seaside locations – sprouting across the state.
Penang Pickleball Association (PPA) chairman Erik Phuah said the state’s strong racquet sport culture was driving the surge, adding that pickleball’s growth was unusually fast for a small state like Penang.
He said pickleball was introduced to Penang around 2021, with one of the earliest games held at the Penang Youth Park pavilion open ground in June 2022 featuring fewer than 10 players.
Sim (left) and his former schoolmates from SMK Georgetown meet every week to play pickleball at a mall in Bandar Baru Air Itam, Penang.
With growing interest, the PPA was officially formed in 2023, boosting the sport’s development.
The number of pickleball facilities has now mushroomed to over 50 venues with more than 300 courts across Penang.
“From just humble courts in backyards, there are now over 50 established venues in Penang – with about 60% on the island and 40% on the mainland,” he told StarMetro.
“Penang’s diverse culture, eagerness to lead and strong background in racquet sports has played a major role in attracting people to pickleball.”
Phuah, however, expressed concern that the sport’s rapid growth was outpacing its development, adding that the scene has become oversaturated and increasingly commercialised.
He said the growth in player development was struggling to match the rapid increase in new courts, with escalating costs a major concern.
“Court fees for pickleball can range from RM50 to RM80 per hour, roughly three times the cost of playing badminton.
“A tennis court costs only RM30 to RM40 per hour but the space can accommodate four pickleball courts,” he said.
Phuah hoped that closer cooperation with the state and relevant authorities would help keep prices in check and ensure the sport remained accessible to all.
He said PPA would continue its mission to raise public awareness and hold community outreach programmes to introduce pickleball to more people.
Golden agers recharged
Pickleball’s rise has provided seniors with a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened camaraderie in their golden years.
For retired businessman Sim Nai Lee, 67, the journey began unexpectedly while watching YouTube.
He decided to give pickleball a try because other racquet games were too intense for him.
Encouraged by how accessible the sport was, he introduced it to friends by booking a court and learning the basics.
“My friends saw my posts on Facebook and asked about it.
“I told them it is suitable for seniors like us. That got them hooked after they held the paddle and hit the ball,” he said.
Phuah says PPA will raise public awareness through community outreach programmes to introduce pickleball to more people.
Sim said pickleball has transformed both his health and social life.
“At my age, I was not committed to exercising to improve my physical and mental well-being,” he said.
“Pickleball allows me to do that, and it also helps me bond with my classmates as we meet for lunch after our game.
“Pickleball has drawn us out of our shell, keeping us relevant and making retirement great again.”
To keep the sport affordable, Sim and his friends share court rental and equipment fees.
“We play to bond, not for competition, so a decent paddle is enough,” he said, adding that he often lends his extra paddles to newcomers.
His former classmate, Foo Chuat Meng, 67, discovered pickleball through social media.
“It was being promoted everywhere, from Facebook to group chats, as a good workout for all ages,” said Foo, who now plays once or twice a week.
The retired school senior assistant said the sport has become more than just exercise.
Foo using a suction cup attached to his pickleball paddle handle to retrieve the ball.
“I enjoy it as a social activity with good friends. Playing pickleball improves our connection and keeps us mentally and physically sharp,” he said.
Foo admitted that pickleball could be costly, but splitting the expenses made it affordable.
“It is quite expensive, but we only play an hour or two. When shared among us, the cost is not that high,” he said.
“The game isn’t too demanding if we follow age-appropriate rules and safety measures. We look forward to more seniors joining as facilities and costs improve.”
Schools embrace pickleball
The pickleball trend is picking up in local schools too, with SJK (C) Kong Min in Ayer Itam, SMJK Chung Hwa in Jelutong and SMK Hamid Khan in Island Glades among the earliest to introduce the sport to students.
At SJK (C) Kong Min, the programme is led by coach Thomas Lee, 33, who trains pupils to play and excel.
“It’s good for them to start young as early exposure helps build a strong foundation,” said Lee, who is assisted by his wife, Ong Su Jun, 25.
The couple volunteer their time and teach for free.
Lee hoped the sport would instil values beyond competition.
Lee and his wife Ong volunteer their time to teach SJK (C) Kong Min pupils to play pickleball. – Courtesy photo
“Many pupils arrive unfamiliar with the sport, but they improve quickly once they learn the basics. We teach them the rules and fundamentals.
“It’s about enjoying the game, not just focusing on winning or losing. We hope they learn this from a young age,” he added.
Lee said many pupils progressed faster due to their background in other sports like table tennis, basketball or running.
“These help them pick up the game faster, showing clear progress in their fitness and confidence,” he said.
Lee said the school, supported by teachers, has also started exposing pupils to competitions.
“Teachers are willing to spend time to help us so the students get more chances to play.
“I hope more schools will form pickleball teams to strengthen the sport’s grassroots,” said Lee.
Strengthening bonds
Seri Delima is said to be the first constituency in Penang to feature an outdoor pickleball facility in May last year.
The initiative took off after a constituent introduced assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng to the sport.
She said the constituency, long recognised for its liveability with 16 neighbourhood parks, had the perfect setting.
“We saw a real opportunity. Seri Delima has many parks but lacked facilities for emerging sports.
“With pickleball gaining popularity, converting part of a community park into a public court would encourage healthier lifestyles and give families a new recreational option.
“We are proud to lead the way,” she said.
There are now five courts in the area – two in Lintang Delima 10 and one each in Lorong Delima 9, Solok Tembaga and Japanese Garden in Island Park.
Having served eight terms as a councillor with Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Tan said neighbourhood parks were the heartbeat of the community.
Tan says through pickleball, she has seen youths and seniors coming together which is truly heart-warming.
As an active participant, she described pickleball as a lively, social activity merging tennis and badminton, suitable for players of all ages.
The response to the first court was immediate and overwhelming, said Tan.
Demand surged, prompting MBPP to convert suitable areas into multipurpose courts.
“Through pickleball, I have witnessed something truly heart-warming.
“We see youths who never enjoyed sports and seniors in their 70s coming together, laughing, sweating, learning and growing stronger side by side,” she said.
“Pickleball continues to break barriers and foster intergenerational interaction – uniting residents through sport while nurturing both physical health and mental well-being.”
With demand still growing, Tan said residents could book court slots through her service centre at 017-734 0928.
She said there was no charge for reservation of time slots.
The courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with occasional evening sessions open at RM5 per person.
She added that her office was exploring the possibility of expanding pickleball facilities to nearby Taman Tun Sardon in Gelugor to meet the growing interest.
The origins of pickleball dates back to 1965 at Bainbridge Island, Washington, in the US.
It began as a family activity when friends Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell improvised a game using a badminton court, ping pong paddles and a plastic ball to entertain their families.
Joined later by Barney McCallum, the trio refined the rules and built the first permanent court two years later, laying the foundation for what would become a global sport.
