Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist Goh Liu Ying swapped her badminton racket for a pickleball paddle to lead a coaching session at the Kidsnergy x iMedia Pickleball Day. The event formed part of the build-up to the Kidsnergy Malaysia International Games 2026, giving young participants a chance to develop their skills and confidence ahead of competition.
Key Points:
- Olympic medallist leads clinic: Goh Liu Ying coached children at the Kidsnergy x iMedia Pickleball Day.
- More than on-court training: Participants took part in warm-ups, recovery sessions, challenge matches and content creation.
- Kidsnergy expands youth sports: The initiative combines competition with skills development, leadership and community engagement.
- Pickleball competition coming up: The Kidsnergy Malaysia International Games pickleball event runs from 16 to 18 October 2026.
Kidsnergy Pickleball Day Combines Training and Fun
The programme went beyond a traditional coaching clinic, featuring technical training, dynamic warm-ups and sports recovery sessions. Participants also tested their abilities in the Kidsnergy Challenge Match, joined content creation activities with iMedia and shared their experiences during a session titled “My Pickleball Story”.
The activities were designed to help children build sporting skills, confidence and sportsmanship while giving them opportunities to express themselves both on and off the court. For young Malaysians who are still discovering pickleball, the combination of hands-on coaching and friendly competition offers an accessible introduction to the sport.
What Is the Kidsnergy Malaysia International Games?
Kidsnergy is the rebranded successor to Kidslympic, a youth sports initiative co-founded by Liu Ying. It aims to empower children through sports, fitness, education, leadership, culture and community engagement. Its programmes range from school outreach and qualifying events to running series, beach games, national competitions and international events that encourage participation and cultural exchange.
The 2026 Kidsnergy Malaysia International Games are held in conjunction with National Sports Day and feature badminton, pickleball, volleyball and Kidsrix, an athletics-style challenge involving running, jumping and throwing for younger age groups.
Badminton and volleyball take place at Arena Sukan Kuala Lumpur, while the pickleball competition is scheduled for 16–18 October 2026. Liu Ying said the Kidsnergy Malaysia Games bring together sports, skills development, friendship and shared experiences through a community platform offering multiple sports.
Weather Conditions Remain a Concern
Air quality has also become a consideration for National Sports Day activities, with organisers reviewing plans and monitoring the Air Pollutant Index to prioritise public safety, particularly for children participating in outdoor events.
Despite these challenges, the Kidsnergy x iMedia Pickleball Day focused on giving children a meaningful sporting experience. Through coaching, friendly matches and personal storytelling, the initiative aims to prepare young players for competition while encouraging them to grow through sport.
