Starting in 2023 and accelerating through 2024, pickleball in Malaysia experienced a massive surge in popularity. Dedicated courts, once rare, began appearing across the country, and the number of active clubs increased dramatically. The Malaysia Pickleball Association now estimates that there are more than 500 venues nationwide, reflecting how quickly the sport has taken hold.

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One of the clearest signs of this boom is Malaysia’s performance in the DUPR system. Malaysia has become DUPR’s fastest-growing market in the world, with more registered players than any other country. Malaysian players are also highly active, averaging around 15 matches per user, and there are now over 350 DUPR-affiliated clubs throughout the nation.

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In terms of skill level, most Malaysian players currently fall within the 3.0 to 4.0 DUPR range, though the number of higher-rated competitive players is rapidly increasing as more structured leagues, coaching, and tournament opportunities develop. What began as casual pick-up play is now transforming into a serious and organized competitive scene.

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This competitive momentum has been boosted significantly by professional events arriving in Malaysia. The PPA Tour Asia held its first major Malaysian event, the Panas Malaysia Cup, in 2025 at a championship-level indoor venue. With a prize pool exceeding US$150,000, the event attracted top regional and international pros and showcased elite-level pickleball to Malaysian fans and aspiring players. Major equipment brands have also entered the scene, partnering with the tour and supporting professional-standard courts, balls, and nets across events.

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At the national level, the Malaysia Pickleball Association continues to lead development through grassroots support, coach education, tournament management, and club partnerships. Combined with the increasing presence of high-level competitions, this has created a strong and growing pipeline of talent across both recreational and competitive players.

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Malaysia’s growth is still just getting started, and all signs point to the nation becoming one of the brightest pickleball hubs in Asia.