Can Pickleball Combat Inactivity and Screen Time in Kids? Malaysia Thinks So

In a world where kids are spending more time on screens than on sports fields, Malaysia is taking a bold step: using pickleball to get children moving.

And they’re not just talking about it—they’re building the infrastructure to make it happen.

Starting April 2, every primary school student in Malaysia will have free access to professional pickleball facilities and coaching at the newly established Pickleball Stadium at Kenanga Wholesale City in Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative, led by Malaysia’s Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and backed by a private-public partnership with E-Motion Sdn Bhd, will allow students nationwide to play and train for free on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This isn’t just about giving kids something to do after school. It’s a full-fledged push to combat rising inactivity levels, reduce screen time, and promote national unity—all through the power of pickleball.

photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/hannahyeoh/posts/1186221272870878

Pickleball as the Great Equalizer

Malaysia has a strong sporting culture, with badminton and football dominating the national landscape. But pickleball? It’s a new player in the mix, and it’s catching on fast.

The sport’s easy learning curve and accessibility make it an ideal option for getting kids off their devices and onto the courts. Yeoh sees it as more than just a game—it’s a tool for fostering teamwork, discipline, and inclusivity among Malaysia’s diverse ethnic communities.

“My hope is that we continue to use sports as a national unity language,” Yeoh stated, emphasizing that the program is designed to reach every child, regardless of background or skill level.

A Nationwide Commitment to Active Lifestyles

The free pickleball initiative aligns with Malaysia’s larger goals under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s MADANI framework, which emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and community well-being. It also supports the National Sports Vision 2030, a long-term plan to transform Malaysia into a sporting powerhouse by developing talent from the grassroots level.

Unlike many programs that focus on elite athletes, this initiative is open to all primary school students.

The goal is simple: get kids moving and make sports a daily part of their lives.

The Private Sector’s Role in Growing the Game

One standout aspect of this initiative is its reliance on private-sector involvement. Yeoh has called upon Malaysian businesses to step up and invest in the program, framing sports funding not as charity, but as a long-term investment in the country’s future.

This approach is already paying off. The launch of Malaysia’s first dedicated pickleball stadium, along with the rapid conversion of former retail spaces into pickleball hubs, signals a growing appetite for the sport.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the initiative has generated excitement, it also raises logistical questions. With Malaysia’s primary school population at 2.7 million students, how will children in distant states like Sabah and Sarawak access facilities located in Kuala Lumpur? Will transportation be provided? And can a single facility realistically accommodate nationwide demand?

Despite these challenges, one thing is clear: Malaysia is making a bold bet on pickleball as a means to shape a more active, engaged, and unified generation. If successful, it could serve as a model for other countries looking to tackle the twin challenges of youth inactivity and screen addiction.

Images via Hanna Yeoh