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.”