Penang Officially Launches World Pickleball Championship 2026 at Nadi Arena

Penang staked its claim as a serious destination for world-class pickleball competition when Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, the state's Exco for Youth, Sports and Health, officially launched the World Pickleball Championship Penang 2026 at Nadi Arena.

The ceremony marked Penang's formal entry into the World Pickleball Championship Series, a circuit established in 2019 that has since grown into one of the most expansive competitive structures in the sport globally. The series' previous Malaysian stop, the WPC Asia Grand Slam held in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, attracted more than 1,000 players from over 17 countries competing for a RM120,000 prize pool, setting a benchmark the Penang edition will look to match or surpass.

Gooi's involvement at the launch signals direct government backing for the event, placing the Penang state administration firmly behind the championship's arrival on the island. His portfolio covering youth, sports and health gives the endorsement added weight, tying the tournament to a broader agenda of developing Penang's sporting infrastructure and international profile.

Nadi Arena, the chosen launch and competition venue, positions the championship within a purpose-built environment capable of handling the logistical demands of a major international field. Penang has been steadily building its pickleball footprint, with local facility development and tournament activity increasing sharply in recent years.

With state government support confirmed and the venue secured, the World Pickleball Championship Penang 2026 now moves from announcement to preparation, with the full competitive field and schedule the next details to watch.