SHAH ALAM, June 19 — Pickleball is not among the nine proposed additional sports, but may be included as one of the demonstration sports at the 2026 Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Selangor.
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi said not all states have been widely exposed to the sport, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
He said that only a few states, including Selangor, Sarawak, Perak, and Penang, currently have the necessary infrastructure and more active participation in the sport.
[caption id="attachment_361308" align="alignright" width="414"]
State executive councillor for youth, sports, and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi speaks at the PREC Pickleball Championship and Arena Track And Sport court launch at SACC Mall, Shah Alam, on June 22, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“As for other states, we are not certain whether they have adequate facilities or exposure,” he said during a media engagement session with the Sukma and Para Sukma 2026 Secretariat today.
In November last year, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari had expressed his intention in November to feature pickleball in the 2026 Sukma, per the sport’s growing popularity nationwide.
Besides pickleball, Najwan said that Chinese chess (xiangqi) is being considered as one of the demonstration sports to be introduced at the meet.
Speaking as the Sukma 2026 Executive Committee chairman, he said the selection of five out of the nine proposed additional sports will be finalised after the Sukma 2026 Supreme Committee meeting, which will be chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the end of next month.
The selection will be made fairly, taking into account the capabilities of all states to field teams.
Among the nine sports being considered to be shortlisted as five additional sports in Sukma 2026 are e-sports, boxing, chess, cricket, softball, kabaddi, and silambam.
Commenting on preparations for Sukma 2026, Najwan said that Selangor's readiness has reached about 40 per cent, with the main focus on upgrading existing facilities and venues.
Venues currently undergoing upgrades include the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam, the Subang Shooting Range, and the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium in Klang.
The total cost of hosting Sukma 2026 is estimated at RM200 million.
— Bernama
