Pickleball’s heart still beats strong in North America, but the sport is no longer confined to the United States and Canada alone. Its future is taking shape aggressively in Asia, with Malaysia fast emerging as pickleball's next hotspot.

Recent data from DUPR, the skill rating app for pickleball, has revealed a silent revolution taking place in Malaysia, with the country surging to third place globally, trailing only the US and Canada in terms of users on the application.

Malaysia, where badminton rules the roost, now has more DUPR users than any other country outside North America - suggesting a robust future for pickleball in the country. But it is not merely about numbers; the growth rate is real.

The country hosts domestic tournaments like the Panas Cup, Pickleball Grand Slam, and Flying Pickleball Team Championships, with strong corporate backing and government support creating a thriving environment for the sport to grow.

In the Asian scenario, Malaysia has become the second-fastest growing country in terms of attracting new users to the sport, trailing only South Korea. When it comes to city-wise rankings, Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is ranked just behind Austin, Texas - such is the craze for pickleball in the Southeast Asian country. The launching of Pickleball Stadium at Kenanga Wholesale City in Kuala Lumpur - where school children would get free training - was a key milestone in that growing trend.

The infrastructure is also taking shape at a rapid pace, with 300 registered DUPR clubs leading the scene. Players are getting registered with DUPR and receiving skill-based ratings.

Sarawak, a state in in Malaysia, has witnessed pickleball boom under the aegis of Sarawak Pickleball Association by hosting the Grand Slam tournament. And there are efforts to build it as Malaysia's pickleball powerhouse by hosting major competitions and free coaching clinics for youths.

While pickleball continues to sweep across the Asian continent - rapidly growing in Vietnam, India, China, and South Korea - Malaysia’s quiet rise as the sport’s next big hub is surprisingly impressive, marked by a significant number of player registrations on DUPR.

Badminton remains the most dominant sport in the country, with robust infrastructure and a deep pool of talented players, including Olympic medallists. However, what has attracted many locals to pickleball is its accessibility and ease of learning. Unlike badminton or table tennis, which often require prior training, pickleball does not - making it a favourite for recreational activities.

As pickleball’s player profile gets younger with each passing day, Malaysia’s intent to ride the sport’s popularity and lay a solid foundation will be a huge boon.

Moreover, with three of the top five fastest-growing countries for pickleball located in Asia, the sport’s global footprint - and its rise in the world’s most populated continent - is more evident than ever.

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