Exploring New Frontiers in Sports Tourism: Johor’s Push for Padel and Pickleball
The state of Johor is gearing up to explore the potential of two rapidly growing sports, padel and pickleball, which could become a major attraction for sports tourism in the country.
Padel and Pickleball: The Rising Stars of Sports Tourism
According to State Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, the state government plans to build six courts for these sports, which have been gaining popularity this year. Two locations have been selected for padel courts in Nusa Duta, while pickleball courts will be built near the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya.
Tender Process and Timeline
The tender for the construction of these courts is expected to be opened either this month or in March, with a completion time of between six and eight months. This means that by the end of this year, Johor could have six courts for padel and pickleball, subject to the consent of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
Budget Allocation
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had previously announced an allocation of RM500,000 for the construction of pickleball courts in the 2025 budget.
Khabib Gym: A New Addition to Johor’s Sports Landscape
Meanwhile, several locations, including Iskandar Puteri, are being considered for the opening of the Khabib Gym, with the ground-breaking ceremony expected to be held this year. The state government is still in discussions with the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov to finalize the details.
MOU Signed with Khabib
Onn Hafiz had previously announced that the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khabib Nurmagomedov, which was sealed during a meeting between the state government delegation and Khabib in Abu Dhabi recently.
Conclusion
Johor’s push for padel and pickleball is a significant step towards diversifying its sports tourism offerings and attracting new visitors to the state. With the construction of six courts and the opening of the Khabib Gym, Johor is poised to become a major hub for these sports in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are padel and pickleball?
A: Padel and pickleball are two rapidly growing sports that are similar to tennis and squash. They are played on a court with a net, and players use paddles and balls to hit the ball back and forth.
Q: Why is Johor exploring these sports?
A: Johor is exploring padel and pickleball as part of its efforts to diversify its sports tourism offerings and attract new visitors to the state.
Q: How many courts will be built in Johor?
A: The state government plans to build six courts for padel and pickleball in Johor.
Q: When will the courts be completed?
A: The tender for the construction of the courts is expected to be opened either this month or in March, with a completion time of between six and eight months.