Selangor: Pickleball is not among the nine proposed additional sports, but may be included as one of the demonstration sports at the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Selangor. Selangor State Executive Councillor for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi stated that not all states have been widely exposed to the sport, which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, only a few states – such as Selangor, Sarawak, Perak, and Penang – currently have the necessary infrastructure and more active participation in the sport. Mohd Najwan mentioned that for other states, there is uncertainty regarding adequate facilities or exposure. He shared this during a media engagement session with the SUKMA and Para SUKMA 2026 Secretariat.
Previously, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari expressed his intention in November to feature pickleball in this edition of SUKMA, aligning with the sport’s growing popularity at the national level. Besides pickleball, Mohd Najwan also revealed that Chinese chess (xiangqi) is being considered as one of the demonstration sports to be introduced at the event.
Mohd Najwan, who also serves as Chairman of the SUKMA 2026 Executive Committee, commented that the selection of five out of the nine proposed additional sports will be finalized after the SUKMA 2026 Supreme Committee Meeting, chaired by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the end of next month. He emphasized that the selection will be made fairly, considering the capabilities of all states to field teams.
Among the sports being considered for shortlisting as five additional sports in SUKMA 2026 are e-sports, boxing, chess, cricket, softball, kabaddi, and silambam. As for preparations for SUKMA 2026, Mohd Najwan reported that readiness has reached about 40 percent, focusing primarily on upgrading existing facilities and venues.
Facilities currently undergoing upgrades include the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam, the Subang Shooting Range, and the Pandamaran Hockey Stadium in Klang. The total cost of hosting SUKMA 2026 is estimated at RM200 million.