AS the early morning light filters through the tranquil dawn, the sun begins its ascent, casting a warm glow over the ESM Pickters Arena nestled within the picturesque backdrop of Universiti Malaya's verdant grounds in Kuala Lumpur.
The courts, reflecting the blue of the sky above, are bathed in golden hues and reverberate with the footsteps of pickleball enthusiasts poised for a day of competition. The sun's golden rays, ablaze with the promise of a scorching day, dance upon the taut surfaces of the courts.
Before long, the atmosphere hums with the rhythmic exchange of volleys and the lively beat of paddles striking neon-yellow plastic balls, each resounding "thwack" a testament to the clash of skill and determination. Laughter, brimming with energy and camaraderie, drifts effortlessly through the air like a mischievous breeze, blending seamlessly with the scent of anticipation.
Organised by ESM Internationale, a leading boutique sports firm, and spearheaded by the affable founder and owner of ESM Pickter Club (a subsidiary of ESM Internationale Sdn Bhd), Mohd Faizal Othman, the second instalment of the ESM Pickleball Monthly Challenge 2.0 promises to be another exciting event.
Players from far and wide converge on the courts, many decked out in their respective team colours, poised to battle it out in a new game that's sweeping the country — and the world — like wildfire — pickleball, a sport often likened to a delightful fusion of tennis and table tennis.
With its origins dating back to a children's game played in 1965 in Bainbridge Island, Washington State, the United States, the game has since evolved into a global sensation. Its journey from a modest pastime to a cultural phenomenon has been nothing short of extraordinary, drawing enthusiasts into its fold with its accessible game-play and infectious sense of fun.
PROMISING DEVELOPMENTS
"I'm glad you've come back for another round," says Mohd Faizal, flashing a wide grin as I amble over to stand next to him by the players' canopy after my own victorious battle just minutes earlier with my Egyptian coach/partner, Shady Saber of Team KL Patriots.
A passionate advocate for the sport, the tennis coach and former footballer with the Terengganu state team beams with pride as his gaze sweeps over the scene unfolding in front of him on the courts.
"We've made significant strides and additional changes since our inaugural tournament in January," he remarks, pride lacing his tone. The Negri Sembilan-born athlete continues: "The number of participants has increased and we've even got enquiries from the United States to join the upcoming challenge — ESM Pickleball Monthly Challenge 3.0 slated for March 9 and 10."
Continuing, he shares that a number of valued sponsors such as Aloft KL Sentral and others have also come onboard to make the tournament a success. "We've also taken great care to address the feedback from the players and enhance their tournament experience," says Mohd Faizal, gesturing towards the shaded rest areas and refreshment stations strategically positioned around the arena.
"In Malaysia's tropical climate, providing adequate respite from the sun is essential to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of our players," he adds, before turning his attention back to the various matches taking place on the different courts.
Joining him, I note that participants range from seasoned players to enthusiastic newcomers. Many are tennis players who have discovered the attraction of pickleball, and are strongly stamping their mark with their power play.
DRIVEN BY A MISSION
But beyond the thrill of competition lies a deeper mission — a commitment to fostering a vibrant pickleball community in Malaysia. "Our goal is to raise awareness about this game and to make pickleball accessible to everyone," emphasises Mohd Faizal, the youngest of three siblings.
"We're hoping to foster close partnerships with various parties and organisations to expand access to courts and resources, ensuring that the sport can continue to thrive for generations to come," continues Mohd Faizal, his passion palpable.
One of the most remarkable developments, he's swift to share, is the growing interest among younger players, eager to embrace the sport's dynamic game-play and inclusive ethos.
"There's a preconception that pickleball is only for the 'mature' athletes and retirees! But that's not true. It's a game that transcends age," says Mohd Faizal, whose father is a former national sepak takraw player, and brother is a cyclist for Terengganu team.
Adding, he says: "From our academy programmes catering to children as young as 8, to the spirited competitions among the more seasoned players, pickleball offers something for everyone."
The sport, he adds, is starting to attract a lot of young people. "Just look around you," he says, steering my attention to the clusters of athletic young people around the arena. "Just to share with you, many of the people who have been booking our courts lately come from the 20s to 30s age group. Some have been attracted to try the game because of the previous tournament."
GAME SPIRIT
Time slips away unnoticed, and suddenly, the tournament reaches its peak, igniting the main courts with the pulsating energy of the final matches. I stand transfixed by the calculated finesse of the men's doubles and before that, the captivating harmony of the mixed doubles. Suffice to say, each encounter stands as a testament to the players' mastery, grit and unwavering sportsmanship.
As clouds begin their steady procession across the hitherto canvas of brilliant blue sky, Mohd Faizal reflects on the day's events with contentment. "Today has been more than just a tournament," he muses, voice laced with pride, adding: "It's been a celebration of camaraderie, sportsmanship and the sheer joy of play."
In the end, as the final matches conclude and champions crowned, the ESM Pickleball Monthly Challenge 2.0 leaves an indelible mark on Kuala Lumpur's sporting landscape. Although players with weary faces tanned from the sun's scorching rays, pack up their paddles and bid farewell to each other, the spirit of the game still lingers in the air.
I'm certain that the local pickleball "revolution" will not be slowing down any time soon judging by the mushrooming of courts and clubs everywhere, and of course, the passion of the thousands of pickleball enthusiasts in the country.
FASTEST-GROWING SPORT
IN pickleball, players wield paddles to skilfully swat a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch-an 86-metre-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, Pickleball has since evolved into more than just a recreational pastime.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, it's the fastest-growing sport in the United States. 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, but it's also a global sensation — with national and international competitions being held around the world. Malaysians have also been bitten by the pickleball bug.
Clubs and groups have been sprouting up 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 7-foot (2.1m) no-volley zone on both sides of the net.
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