KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2025 – Bandar Kuching Member of Parliament and prominent youth advocate, Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, has been officially appointed as one of the Advisors to the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA), marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to elevate pickleball as a mainstream sport in the country.
The appointment, presented by MPA Committee Members and State Association representatives led by Acting President Delima Ibrahim, aligns with Kelvin Yii’s long-standing vision to promote healthy living and inclusive sporting opportunities for all Malaysians.
“I am honoured that the Malaysia Pickleball Association has appointed me as one of their advisors. This appointment aligns with my aspiration to promote pickleball and lead strategic efforts to grow the sport nationwide, particularly at the grassroots level,” Yii said in a statement today.
In his advisory role, Yii will provide strategic counsel on governance, structural frameworks, and policy formulation, with the goal of helping the sport meet international standards and achieve sustainable growth.
Over recent months, MPA has intensified its collaboration with key government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and other agencies, working towards the integration of pickleball into Malaysia’s national sports ecosystem.
A major objective is to see the sport represented in both national and international multi-sport events, offering new medal opportunities for Malaysian athletes.
The momentum comes at a time when pickleball is experiencing unprecedented growth in Malaysia. In the Klang Valley alone, the first quarter of 2025 recorded over 40,000 court bookings per month.
Meanwhile, the Reclub app has tracked more than 150,000 active weekly players nationwide—a figure that excludes those not yet using the platform.
“These figures reflect the urgent need to bring pickleball to the grassroots level, ensuring accessibility, structured development, and pathways for talent identification,” said Yii.
“Pickleball is no longer just a trend; it is a fast-growing sport that Malaysians are embracing at record levels. The demand is clear, and our focus will be on building the foundation for long-term success,” he added.
The Malaysia Pickleball Association, under its renewed leadership and partnerships, aims to roll out nationwide programmes in schools, local communities, and sports clubs to cultivate interest and nurture the next generation of pickleball athletes.
Kelvin Yii’s appointment is expected to further strengthen the association’s capacity to navigate policy, engage stakeholders, and establish pickleball as a recognised and celebrated sport in Malaysia.
