25/05/2026
๐ท๐๐๐๐๐ & ๐ป๐๐๐๐: ๐จ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐
Ever since the rise of pickleball, I had always thought of it as being merely a trend, a blip in the sporting world. My skewed view led me to believe the negative connotations surrounding the sport. Many in my circle simply dismiss it as being a sport for the โweakโ or an excuse to dress up for tennis but engage in a low impact sport without looking out of place. Simply put, I had my biases when looking from an outsiderโs perspective. Well, I mightโve just changed my mind.
Recently, I had an opportunity to get a closer look at โrealโ pickleball. I had a photography job to shoot a caterer during their service at a pickleball tournament. It was called the โAM Tournamentโ and it was at the Pickle Collective court in Sutera Harbour. The whole experience was very interesting to say the least, and for a few good reasons.
The first being the venue inside the Sutera Harbour compound. The indoor courts were inside of a structure that honestly looked more like a greenhouse at first glance. What tied it all together was the fenced but beautifully pristine blue court situated right outside of said structure, contributing to a charming and inviting atmosphere. With it being so close to the pool and the sea, it was all very calming and relaxing in a way, especially with the sound of the waves crashing on the beach a few meters away.
Whatโs even more interesting at first was the choice of catering for the tournament. Let me be clear, what Iโm about to mention isnโt bad. Itโs just different because you just donโt see coffee, fresh juice, and mini tarts being served at a sports tournament often. Though, it didnโt feel off in the slightest bit and somehow pulled everything together nicely. The players and attendees were happy, everyone was mingling and having cheerful conversations with their coffee or juice in one hand and their paddles in the other. Some were really enjoying the mini tarts served there as well.
Though, now that I think about it, it does make sense in a way. The mini tarts werenโt that heavy to weigh an athlete down. The fresh coconut and orange juice served contained electrolytes that not only refresh but also reenergise anyone. And when you think about it, energy drinks usually contain caffeine too, so the coffee doesnโt necessarily look out of place at all. And like I said, people were enjoying themselves, which is the aim of any event at the end of the day.
With that said, I initially thought that the sports side of things would carry the same casual attitude, but was I wrong. Well, only partially wrong, because there was still a casual vibe in the air. Players were smiling, laughing, and didnโt take mistakes too seriously. For a lack of a better term, great sportsmanship was seen all around. But donโt mistake the casual vibe for players not wanting to compete and giving it their all, because things did get intense at times. Big and strong smashes, super fast reactions, intense back and forths, and emotions even running high at times. This wasnโt the pickleball I was used to seeing.
Certain matches had an air to it that I couldnโt tell which team would go out on top. The first serves mightโve seemed weak or unimpressive, but the immediate returns would decide what kind of intensity I would witness. Some would strategically play it slow for a few rounds then suddenly up the intensity after lulling opponents to sleep. Others would rev it up to high gear as soon as the match started. Deep inside, this was the type of pickleball I wished I saw all this time.
It wasnโt all action packed though, and thatโs a good thing. Since it was an open tournament, it was a mix of players from all levels. Matches with slower paces weren't a drag to watch at all. The players still competed with all they had, but as a newcomer, I could follow along without getting too confused, because it allowed me to learn a thing or two about the rules.
And itโs from these matches that I realised what made pickleball rise in popularity. Itโs the community that itโs been able to build. I noticed that the players were all from varied groups and backgrounds. Just like any other sport, and how it should really be, pickleball doesnโt discriminate. Anyone can pick up a paddle and play, no matter who you are or how well you play.
Any player can experience it at their own pace. It doesn't matter if youโre new to the sport, young or old, while the competitive types are definitely able to dial up the intensity as well. You just need a group of friends, or meet someone new, and just enjoy it.
From what Iโve noticed, accessibility isnโt an issue plaguing pickleball. Yes, the equipment can be expensive, but name-brand sports equipment just is. And I have seen some paddles being sold at very low prices in the local department store. When it comes to the courts, players in Kota Kinabalu are blessed with so many new and exciting courts popping up, each with their own unique and surprising feature. Who knew in a million years you could officially play pickleball by the sea in Sutera Harbour or on top of a mall mostly known for its computer stores in Karamunsing.
Pickleball as a whole is a rapidly growing sport. I canโt deny that, nor can I deny its own special and unique appeal. Apart from the low barrier of entry, positivity in its community, and the abundance of courts around town, the possibility of engaging in the sport fashion-wise is very high as well. I admit, I did look at it negatively in the beginning, but then I remembered. I used to use my love of basketball just to splurge on equipment I donโt need, especially with sneakers. Depending on how you accept it, being fashion-minded isnโt unique to pickleball, itโs part of almost all sports these days.
With that said, my perspective on the sport has definitely changed. People will always say to never judge a book by the cover, but I believe we also need to look a little bit closer to see and understand the beauty that lies within, even if it doesnโt align to your personal preferences. There are a few quirks about pickleball that still irk me or that I havenโt understood yet, but having a chance for a closer look made me understand why pickleball isnโt merely a trend but a sport that could potentially become the modern gentlemanโs game.
Write-up & Photos by Noel Ethelbert Jinguli
Venue at Pickle Collective KK
Catering by Sama Sama KK (previously Fat Cat Desserts)
