EIGHT of Malaysia’s most promising young pickleball talents have earned the chance to compete on the regional stage after finishing as top performers at a national selection tournament.
The players stood out in the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia Rising Stars Sectional Tournament to earn their spots in the next phase.
The event doubled as the national Under-19 selection tournament, drawing promising players from across the country vying for qualification to the PCL Asia Rising Stars Grand Finale in Hainan, China.
The sectional, held at Grand Pickleball Arena, was organised by the Malaysia Chinese Assembly Hall (MCAH) Youth Division.
MCAH, in a media statement, said the tournament drew youth players from across the country, including Penang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Sabah and Sarawak, underscoring pickleball’s growing appeal and the rise of young talents from diverse regions.
It added that Malaysia’s selection event formed part of a coordinated series of sectional tournaments held across Asia, with young athletes vying for places at the regional championship.
After a day of intense competition, winners in the boys’ and girls’ divisions secured the coveted “Dream Ticket” to represent Malaysia at the Asia Grand Finale, where they will face top youth players from around the region.
In the girls’ category, Lim Lynn emerged champion, followed by Chan Yu Chi as first runner-up, Jaymie Ngow as second runner-up and Catherine Eva Liew in third place.
In the boys’ category, Lok Jien Sen took the title, with Irfan Kamil Irwan Kamil finishing as first runner-up, Farreez Isqandar as second runner-up and Ryan Lim placing third.
MCAH said the Rising Stars programme also served as a platform for athlete development.
Outstanding performers at the Grand Finale stand a chance to train under the Asia Elite Pickleball Academy, gaining exposure to world-class coaching and high-level international training.
To prepare for the regional stage, the Malaysian representatives will undergo a series of structured training programmes, including a special camp from April 1 to 3.
It will be led by an international coaching team headed by professional player-coach James Ignatowich, who will provide advanced tactical and technical guidance.
Coach Gee Ci Long will also accompany the team to China, offering on-site support throughout the tournament.
MCAH said the Rising Stars initiative aimed to strengthen youth development in the sport while creating a pathway for players to gain international exposure.
