Sabah isn't just hosting another pickleball tournament; it's rolling out the red carpet for a global sports and tourism spectacle with the Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026. Running from 16–18 October in Kota Kinabalu, the event will offer more than RM30,000 in cash prizes, alongside trophies and goodies for players arriving from around the world.
Key Tournament Highlights
- 536 players are expected from countries including Japan, the United States, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Brunei.
- More than RM30,000 in prize money is available across Open, Intermediate, and Novice divisions.
- RM5,000 awaits the Open Mixed Doubles champions.
- Unique, hand-coloured trophies featuring Sabah's iconic proboscis monkey celebrate local heritage.
- The event combines international pickleball competition with a major push to promote Sabah tourism.
Sabah's Grand Vision for Global Pickleball
The Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026 is organised by Borneo Kelab Rekreasi Pickleball and sanctioned by the Sabah Pickleball Association, with The Good Club serving as the official venue partner.
The event is also backed by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and Explore Sabah, giving the tournament strong institutional support as it aims to establish Sabah as a destination for international sports events.
The opening ceremony will take place at 10am on 16 October at The Good Club in Tanjung Aru, officially kicking off the three-day tournament.
Unpacking the Championship Structure and Prizes
Competition is spread across seven categories and three tiers, giving players of different skill levels the chance to compete for a share of the prize pool. The elite Open Mixed Doubles division offers RM5,000 to the champions, RM2,500 for runners-up, and RM1,200 for third place.
The Intermediate tier features Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with each division offering RM2,800 to the winners, RM1,400 for second, and RM700 for third. The three Novice divisions cover the same doubles formats, with champions receiving RM1,200, runners-up RM600, and third-placed pairs RM300.
More Than Just Trophies: A Nod to Local Heritage
Beyond the cash prizes, winners will receive distinctive trophies featuring Borneo's proboscis monkey, a tribute to Sabah's recognisable wildlife. The trophies are also hand-coloured with help from members of the local community, giving each award a more personal connection to Sabah and its heritage.
A Strategic Slam Dunk for Sabah Tourism
Organising Chairperson Datin Elaine Fong Yee Ling highlighted the event's dual purpose: promoting healthy sports development while also supporting Sabah's tourism growth. The tournament is expected to bring first-time visitors from different parts of the world to the state, allowing international players and visitors to experience Sabah beyond the pickleball courts.
Drawing in Global Talent and Eyeballs
The international appeal of the Borneo International Pickleball Open 2026 is already evident, with 536 players expected to compete. Participants are coming from Japan, the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Brunei, turning the event into a genuinely international gathering.
The organisers have also invited 26 influencers, sports personalities, and entertainment figures from Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan to help showcase Sabah to a wider audience. Among those joining are Protech ambassadors Perry Kuan and Chan Peng Soon, Hong Kong actor and sports personality Hugo Wong, Hong Kong sports creator Samantha Wong, and Miss International Macau 2016 Sulin Ip.
Their involvement is intended to give Sabah greater international exposure, highlighting the state not only as a tourist destination but also as a potential host for international sporting events.
Registration closed on 3 October after being extended for a couple of days due to demand. Before the tournament begins, participants are also encouraged to attend a complimentary court testing session on 7 October.
With the tournament set for 16–18 October, all eyes will now turn to The Good Club in Tanjung Aru, where Sabah's international pickleball showcase will get underway.
