Latest news with #FarrellChoo
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pickleball eyes Malaysia Games inclusion despite sudden change at the top
The Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) has a new president, a move endorsed by the current executive council, although some affiliates are unhappy that Farrell Choo did not pass the baton to the vice-president. However, the new acting president, Delima Ibrahim, is no stranger to the sport. She is the president of the Sarawak Pickleball Association, a founding member of the MPA, and its treasurer. Delima was also appointed an ambassador of the sport by the International Federation of Pickleball in 2020. 'I took over on July 1 but I must stress that I'm only the acting president, and there are still some handover issues to iron out,' said Delima. 'The MPA will hold its elections next year, and we can elect a permanent president then. I have known Farrell for many years, and he trusts me to carry on his good work.' Delima shrugged off criticism of her appointment, saying the MPA executive council had no objections to her taking the role. For now, the association's priority is to see the sport included in next year's Malaysia Games (Sukma). 'We have been in discussions with the Youth and Sports Ministry. They will have the final say,' said Delima. 'We are not the only sport that wants to be part of Sukma. Farrell and the MPA have already submitted our plans to the organisers.' The 2026 Sukma will be held in Selangor. In November 2024, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the state intended to introduce pickleball as a medal sport in Sukma. The state's Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman, Mohd Najwan Halimi, said last month that besides the 28 core sports, there would be five optional ones. Among the sports under consideration are chess, Chinese chess, boxing, silambam, kabaddi, Muay Thai, cricket, softball, pickleball, and e-sports. The Sukma Supreme Council is expected to unveil the complete list of sports soon. Meanwhile, Choo said he stepped down as president to focus on his business. 'I spent six years with MPA, and now it's time for me to take a step back,' Choo said. 'I've known Delima for many years, and we started MPA together. She is a capable leader, and the executive council has agreed that she will take over until next year's elections. 'I believe the association is in good hands. Our goal is to popularise pickleball in Malaysia, and hopefully, we can be part of Sukma next year.'
The Star
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
First pickleball instructor course held in Sibu
Choo (holding paddle) conducting the instructor course, which he says will help build a stronger pickleball coaching community in the region. Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) conducted its first Central Zone Level 1 Certified Instructor course in Sibu, marking a milestone in the development of the sport in Sarawak. This initiative, hosted by Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA), drew 34 enthusiastic participants, including two delegates from Kuching and four from Sarikei. Presiding over the course at SMK Sacred Heart was MPA president Farrell Choo, who led the training and assessments. Choo said the programme not only served as a platform to enhance technical knowledge and coaching skills, but also as a strategic step towards building a stronger coaching community in Sabah and Sarawak. Participants who complete the course will be officially recognised as Level 1 Certified Instructors, enabling them to contribute to the sport's growth at grassroots and school levels. Expressing his gratitude, SPA president Joseph Chieng said, 'We are thankful to MPA for its unwavering support. 'Hosting this course in Sibu empowers our local players and educators to take on leadership roles within the sport.' Chieng said SPA aimed to continue collaborating with national and state-level bodies to organise further professional development programmes and tournaments, positioning Sibu as an emerging hub for pickleball activities in Sarawak. Meanwhile, some 200 to 300 participants from across Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo are expected to take part in Borneo Pickleball Workshop and Forum on Aug 27 and 28 in Sibu. The inaugural event will be organised by iPlay Swan Squad Pickleball Club (iPSS) with full backing from Business Events Sarawak, which aims to promote the development of pickleball in Borneo, especially in Sarawak. iPSS president Dr Wong Chya Wei said the forum represented a vital step towards building a stronger and more structured pickleball community in the region. 'This is more than just a forum. It's a movement to raise the profile of pickleball. 'We anticipate coaches, educators, club organisers and the public joining in,' he said at a press conference. Dr Wong said one of the event highlights would be a dialogue session featuring representatives from Sarawak Sports Council, MPA and pickleball court operators. Other activities on the agenda include specialist talks on flooring, seminars on sports injuries and rehabilitation, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) workshops, which will be offered free to the public. There will also be a referee workshop for those interested in becoming officials or line judges, besides an exhibition area focusing on pickleball gear, court construction solutions, booking systems, and sporting equipment. 'Junior players will showcase a match on a specially prepared court set up within a hotel ballroom – the first of its kind in Malaysia. 'We invite people from all backgrounds to join us, especially those with experience in racquet sports like tennis, badminton, table tennis and squash, as transitioning to pickleball is straightforward and enjoyable. 'As an extra incentive, the first 100 registrants will be treated to a complimentary sunset river cruise on Aug 27,' he added.
