BFM Exclusive: Andrew Lee on the Bold Push to Put Pickleball in Every School
Sureena Shree ChandrasekarWhen news broke that Selangor will be introducing pickleball to schools next year, it sent a wave of excitement across Malaysia’s fast-growing pickleball community. For many, this is more than just another sports program, it’s the beginning of a national movement.
To unpack what this means for the country’s youth, BFM Radio sat down with Andrew Lee, founder of Pickle361.com, Malaysia’s first dedicated pickleball media platform. His insights shed light on how pickleball is evolving from a trendy hobby into a cornerstone of youth sports and wellness.
A New Chapter for Malaysian Schools
According to Selangor’s Exco for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship, YB Mohd Najwan Halimi, the state plans to officially include pickleball in school curriculums next year.
The move aligns with ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, and pickleball associations across Malaysia to formally recognise the sport under the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM).
“This is a game-changing step,” said Andrew Lee. “Pickleball’s accessibility, affordability, and inclusivity make it the perfect sport for Malaysian students. All you need is a badminton court, a lowered net, and you’re good to go.”
Why Pickleball Belongs in Schools
Malaysia has always been a racket-sport nation, from badminton courts in every kampung to tennis and table tennis clubs in every town. Pickleball naturally fits into this ecosystem, offering an easy learning curve that bridges all ages and abilities.
“Pickleball is easy to start but hard to master,” Andrew explained on air. “For youth, that’s a powerful combination, it builds coordination, discipline, and teamwork, while still being social and fun.”
The sport’s family-oriented culture also makes it a perfect fit for school communities. Parents who play are now encouraging their children to pick up the paddle, creating intergenerational participation rarely seen in modern sports.
Infrastructure and Readiness: The Building Blocks
While the enthusiasm is high, successful integration into schools requires structure. Lee outlined three key pillars:
- Infrastructure and Equipment: Malaysia is already ahead. With over 400 courts nationwide and rapid private investment, accessibility is not an issue.
- Coaching and Education: “The next challenge,” Lee noted, “is training the teachers.” Establishing certified coaching programs and teacher training workshops will ensure consistent development across states.
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Policy and Integration: Incorporating pickleball into the school syllabus means policy alignment between ministries, associations, and local councils, a process already underway.
He also revealed that many private venues are willing to open courts for school programs during off-peak hours, often for free. “From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., courts are mostly empty. Venue partners have told us they’d gladly host school kids. It’s about community reinvestment.”
Collaboration Between Public and Private Sectors
Malaysia’s pickleball boom has been driven largely by private sector innovation. Lifestyle-focused sports clubs like AFA, PXP, and others have fused recreation with F&B and wellness, turning pickleball into a social experience.
“The private sector started this wave, they built world-class courts, invested in marketing, and created beautiful venues that inspired new players,” said Andrew.
“Now, the government is stepping in to build the foundation that will sustain it.”
This public-private partnership mirrors what’s happening across Southeast Asia, where Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand are also developing school programs to nurture young talent.
Developing Future Talent and a National Ranking System
A key part of Malaysia’s long-term pickleball vision is building a national ranking and talent pipeline.
Currently, there’s no formalised ranking under the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM), but discussions are in motion to change that.
“Once we have ranking data and performance tracking, we can start identifying young talents and preparing them for international competition,” Andrew shared.
He cited promising numbers, bookings at major pickleball courts in Malaysia doubled between April and September 2025, reaching over 70,000 hours of playtime. The sport’s growth is undeniable, and schools will only accelerate that momentum.
Challenges Ahead: Cooperation and Coaching
While infrastructure and enthusiasm are strong, Malaysia still faces two main challenges:
- Coaching Capacity: There are still too few certified pickleball coaches to meet the country’s growing demand.
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Integration with Existing Sports: “Naturally, there’s some fear from other sports about pickleball’s rise,” Andrew acknowledged. “But we’re not here to replace, we’re here to complement.”
He believes collaboration and open-mindedness will be key. “If tennis and badminton players embrace pickleball as a crossover sport, it will only expand Malaysia’s overall sporting excellence.”
The Growing Movement
When asked if pickleball might fade like many social trends, Lee was confident:
“Pickleball is not a bubble, it’s a bridge. It connects generations, promotes wellness, and fits seamlessly into our lifestyle. From retirees to teenagers, everyone can play. That’s why it will last.”
He estimates Malaysia’s current 450 courts could grow to 600 by mid-2026, solidifying the country as one of Asia’s pickleball powerhouses, second only to Vietnam.
“Sports tourism is next,” he added. “International players are already flying in to compete in Malaysia’s tournaments. The momentum is real.”
The Bigger Picture: A Unified Vision
He concluded the interview with a message of unity:
“For pickleball to reach its full potential, government bodies, private operators, schools, and the media must work together. This is not just about building athletes, it’s about building a healthier, more connected generation.”
Pickleball in schools could be Malaysia’s most impactful grassroots initiative yet one that redefines how youth see sport: not as competition, but as community.
