A PICKLEBALL tournament hosted by a bank returns this year with a bigger purse and a target of 600 participants.
The AmBank Malaysia Pickleball Championship’s total prize pool has increased from RM50,000 to RM66,000, signalling a clear step up in both scale and competitiveness, according to organiser Score Sports Management Sdn Bhd (Score)
“We’re seeing real momentum in pickleball. The next step is to raise the standards of competition and the overall experience,” said its chief executive officer Patricia Tan.
“This championship is about creating a platform where players can compete seriously while keeping the sport accessible and inclusive,” she said during the event launch at Playa Racquet Club @ PARC Subang.
The event from June 19 to 21 at the club in Subang Jaya, Selangor, positions itself as one of the more prominent tournaments on the local calendar.
Powered by title sponsor AmBank Group, the championship reflected a shared push to elevate pickleball beyond its recreational roots into a more structured and competitive space, Tan said.
The three-day tournament is expected to feature a strong and diverse field across the Novice, Intermediate and Open categories comprising men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles events.
“Designed to balance inclus- ivity with competitiveness, the tournament will adopt a group-stage format followed by knockout rounds, ensuring players gain meaningful match exposure within a structured format,” Tan said.
“The Open category is expected to feature the strongest field, reflecting the growing depth of talent as more players transition into higher levels of competition,” she added.
AmBank’s continued involvement reflects its commitment to supporting sporting initiatives that promote active lifestyles and community engagement.
“As pickleball rapidly evolves from a recreational hobby into a competitive sport, AmBank Group is pleased to be at the forefront of supporting this momentum,” said AmBank Group corporate communications and marketing head Shazman Shahid.
“Through Score, which brings together some of the sport’s top players, the event also offers our clients and communities the opportunity to experience the energy of pickleball up close while contributing to the development of the sport locally,” he added.
The event will also feature activities such as workshops, fitness sessions and wellness-focused vendors, creating a more holistic experience.
In line with a growing emphasis on responsible event management, sustainability initiatives will also be incorporated, with trophies produced using recycled plastic and repurposed timber, alongside pickleball- themed charms made from reused materials.
For details, go to sportssync.asia or check out @mypickleballchampionship on Instagram and Facebook.
