UNDER the relentless morning sun, my eyes squint in a desperate attempt to track the bright yellow ball hurtling towards me. Beside me, my partner, Shady Saber, maintains an air of composure, his cap serving as a shield against the harsh rays. Clad in a drenched KL Patriots' jersey, the Petaling Jaya-based Egyptian hisses a directive: "Keep it low!"
I nod in acknowledgment, before seeing a streak of something zooming in my direction. Twack! — the resounding sound of my paddle hitting the plastic ball, the ball skimming beautifully across the net in return is like music to my ears. Thankfully, my volley is good and I can't help but grin silently at the sight of my opponent's dismay as her ball meets an unfortunate demise at the net.
The inaugural ESM Pickleball Monthly Challenge, a pickleball tournament organised by ESM Internationale, a leading boutique sports firm, is in full swing, having kicked off minutes earlier at 8.30am at the newly-created ESM Pickters Arena in Universiti Malaya, which opened for play last December.
All the courts are full and the hitherto tranquil morning air has begun to reverberate with the sound of balls being vigorously whacked, occasionally punctuated by groans of despair.
GLOBAL SENSATION
Pickleball is a delightful blend of tennis and table tennis, where players wield paddles to skilfully swat a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34 inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits a rule infraction.
A sport invented back in 1965 as a children's backyard game in Bainbridge Island, Washington state, the United States (US), Pickleball has since evolved into more than just a recreational pastime.
In fact, it has earned the title of the fastest-growing sport in the US, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Last year, the game had captivated over 4.8 million players, turning casual enthusiasts into passionate paddle-wielders.
The pickleball fever isn't confined to the US borders alone. It's a global sensation, with national and international competitions being held around the world. Malaysia has certainly caught the pickleball bug with zeal.
Clubs and groups are sprouting across the country, transforming spaces once exclusively reserved for tennis or badminton into makeshift pickleball courts. All it takes is a simple adjustment — lowering the net and improvising a line to mark the "kitchen", a seven-foot (2.13 metres) no-volley zone on either side of the net.
It's the place where players can't indulge in volleys, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game. The evolution is palpable, as what was once a solitary domain for other racquet sports now echoes with the vibrant bounce of those neon bright balls.
MAN WITH A MISSION
With a keen eye scanning the bustling games before him, Mohd Faizal Othman radiates satisfaction. His quest to elevate the standing of pickleball in Malaysia, akin to the fervent matches unfolding since early morning, is well underway.
The genial founder and owner of ESM Pickter Club, a subsidiary of ESM Internationale Sdn Bhd, envisions pickleball taking its place alongside the more revered national sports of badminton and football, possibly even surpassing them in the future.
For this dream to materialise, he insists on the importance of organising more tournaments, both competitive and social, to foster widespread acceptance. "This is our first tournament, and we plan, every month until October, to have these monthly tournaments. We'll choose the top 16 pairs to play in the Grand Master in November," reveals Faizal with pride. Undeterred by the sport's current under-the-radar status in the country, he envisions a transformative wave as more courts are built, and clubs spring to life.
ESM Pickters Club recently orchestrated a pickleball introduction day, expecting 10 attendees, but drawing an enthusiastic crowd of 20 instead. Not stopping there, the club also ventured into ACMAR International School in Klang, introducing pickleball to students to ignite a love for the game.
Faizal's enthusiasm reverberates as he shares upcoming plans, including an introduction day for a business school in the Klang Valley, where 50 participants are expected to attend.
Furthermore, the establishment of Universiti Malaya's first pickleball team is in the works. Amidst the myriad initiatives, the ultimate aspiration is to nurture pickleball superstars on par with our other Malaysian icons, particularly in the sports of badminton, squash, and football.
"For these stars to be discovered, tournaments need to be organised, and programmes need to be established — beginning from schools — where talents can be unearthed," he emphasises. The meticulous groundwork is being laid to provide a platform for aspiring athletes, creating a legacy that Malaysians can take pride in.
OF PASSION AND VISION
Smiling, Faizal is swift to dispel the assumption that tennis players hold an automatic advantage in pickleball, highlighting the nuanced differences in the two sports. "With pickleball, you need to have a fast reaction. For example, last week we did a friendly match and found that the tennis players lost easily to the social players."
The formula for becoming a proficient pickleball player mirrors that of any athlete — discipline, commitment, and respect for everyone. Faizal insists: "All these are important criteria for anyone aspiring to be a top athlete."
The sudden sound of a loudspeaker piercing the afternoon calm, beckoning players back to the courts after a brief respite for lunch, reminds me that I don't have much time to chat with the dynamic sportsman.
Rushing through my questions, I learn that Faizal, the youngest of three siblings, was born in Negri Sembilan but moved to Terengganu, where he eventually embarked on a tennis career.
"I studied sports management as well as hotel management. I was overseas for six years. I played for the national team from 2006 to 2009. I started my tennis from the age of 8. My father was a former national sepak takraw player, my brother is a cyclist for Terengganu state," he reels off, similarly acknowledging that time isn't on our side.
His eyes dance when he recalls: "When I was 5, I was already watching the two tennis greats — Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. One day when I moved to Terengganu, one of my cousins invited me to play tennis on the weekend. I did — using the techniques I learnt from watching numerous matches on TV of the two greats."
The former footballer with the Terengganu state team beams when he recalls: "I remember there were four courts. And there was a coach working with a group there. I soon learnt that he was a teacher from my school. That coach invited me to play in a tournament under the Majlis Sekolah-Sekolah, scheduled for the following week. I trained only for two days — and won the tournament!"
In 2010, he moved overseas to coach tennis in Shanghai, Beijing, Russia, Thailand and India. Eyes shining, Faizal shares: "I was in Turkmenistan for eight months and was the national coach for their team."
As we both gaze into the distance, the rhythmic twack of balls like music to the ears, one can't help but feel certain that Mohd Faizal, resolute and steely in his vision, will play a pivotal role in the transformative wave sweeping Malaysia.
Perhaps one day, the pickleball courts will witness the rise of a David Beckham or Lee Chong Wei equivalent — iconic figures nurtured by those with a passion and vision to see the sport soar. A little bird tells me that Mohd Faizal has already set his sights on someone. A fitting ambassador for the sport.
Malaysia will see… soon!
WHERE TO PLAY
PENANG
If you happen to be in Penang, make a point to check out the latest court to open — for Pickleball enthusiasts. Play! Tennis Malaysia is Penang's first indoor tennis and pickleball academy, which opened its doors recently at 203 Jalan Burmah, George Town.
What's great is that players of all ages and skill levels are welcomed and you get to play at a comfortable and fully air-conditioned facility. It's still early days and there's some tweaking needed to make it the court of choice for seasoned players — but the potential is there.
Already in place is a small pro shop for players to browse some new equipment, as well as a modest chill-out lounge area for those much-needed breaks in between games, or for socialising pre- or post-game, or for spectators to come and enjoy the game.
For those who want fun memories of their tennis or pickleball experience, there is an Instagram-worthy wall mural painted by local Penang artists. The academy aims to offer a multifaceted and multisport experience, melding the love of sport with lifestyle.
The academy hosts a comprehensive range of classes, from beginner to competitive levels, catering to children and adults from all walks of life. The coaching staff consists of experienced professionals who want to share their passion for the sport with others, and help players meet their fullest potential. The facility and its programmes are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of local families, international visitors, and the broader community.
For more information, go to www.playtennis.my.
KLANG VALLEY
ESM Pickters Arena
Located at 833, Lingkungan Budi, Kuala Lumpur, and sharing Universiti Malaya's scenic rooftop pool area, the ESM Pickters Arena offers pickleball enthusiasts and seasoned players the opportunity to play the game outdoors against the backdrop of verdant greenery.
There are more than six courts available for booking, currently from 7am to 7pm. Malaysia's unpredictable weather will undoubtedly prove to be the biggest challenge as the courts are uncovered.
If you enjoy playing under the sweltering hot sun, you'll be fine. But a torrential downpour may weaken even the most determined of players. Weekends tend to be full, so best try to book early if you fancy a game.
The Courts at KLGCC Resort
Here's a brand new pickleball court facility that seems to have gotten a hearty thumbs up from the pickleball community in the Klang Valley. Opened at the end of last year, it's the first of its kind in the country and set to be the go-to destination for fun, friendship and fitness.
Located in the "bougie" locale of Bukit Kiara, there are eight international-standard courts in total, with four covered and four outdoors. The facilities are top-notched, befitting the price tag of booking play here.
The rates are currently pegged at RM60 for covered courts and approximately RM35 for outdoors. But do check the website https://thecourts.com.my for up-to-date pricing because they're set to change!
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