Malaysia offers free access to pickleball for children to combat sedentary lifestyles and screen time.

In 2025 , Malaysia launched an ambitious and innovative initiative: to make pickleball free for all students in Malaysian schools on weekdays .

Led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia , this measure aims for a clear dual objective: to encourage physical activity among young people and to reduce their time spent in front of screens .

This decision marks an important step in the development of pickleball in Southeast Asia and positions Malaysia as one of the most proactive countries in school sport and public health for children.

A national initiative launched in 2025

Faced with the alarming increase in sedentary lifestyles among children and their addiction to screens, Malaysian authorities have decided to take concrete action. Starting in 2025, participating schools will offer free access to pickleball for all students, Monday through Friday , whether during after-school hours or as part of supervised activities.

This initiative is supported by schools, local authorities and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which sees pickleball as an ideal sport to introduce children to regular and fun practice .

Why was pickleball chosen by Malaysia

The choice of pickleball is not insignificant. This sport ticks many boxes when it comes to promoting physical activity among young people.

First of all, pickleball is easy to learn . In just a few minutes, a child can understand the basic rules and start playing. This accessibility is essential in a school setting, where athletic abilities vary greatly.

Furthermore, pickleball is inexpensive . Courts can be set up quickly, sometimes by adapting existing infrastructure such as badminton or tennis courts. The equipment required is limited, allowing for large-scale implementation without excessive investment.

Finally, pickleball is inclusive and safe . It can be played in mixed teams, generates less physical contact than other team sports, and thus reduces the risk of injury among younger players.

Combating screen time: a societal challenge

One of the central objectives of this initiative is to reduce children's screen time . In Malaysia, as in many countries, authorities are observing a significant increase in the time spent in front of smartphones, tablets, and game consoles.

According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, pickleball represents an attractive alternative to digital entertainment. By offering a free, social, and fun activity directly within the school environment, the government hopes to redirect young people's habits towards a more active lifestyle .

Sport thus becomes a tool for prevention, not only against physical inactivity, but also against certain negative effects linked to excessive screen use, such as attention disorders or lack of social interaction.

The key role of Malaysian schools

Schools play a central role in the success of the program. They serve as the entry point for discovering pickleball and provide guidance for students.

Pickleball is an integral part of many establishments:

• to extracurricular activities;
• to internal sports clubs;
• or as a complementary activity to physical education.

Teachers point out that pickleball promotes cooperation, communication and teamwork , while remaining competitive enough to motivate students.

A strategy aligned with national sports policy

This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Malaysian government to democratize access to sport and identify new talent from a young age.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports sees pickleball as:

• a sport of the future with strong growth potential;
• a discipline adapted to urban and school environments;
• a way to strengthen the national sporting culture.

In the long term, the program could also feed into competitive pathways, with the creation of school leagues and regional championships.

An inspiring model for other countries

The Malaysian initiative is already attracting the attention of other Asian nations and the international pickleball community. Offering free and structured access to an emerging sport in schools could become a replicable model elsewhere , particularly in countries facing similar issues of sedentary lifestyles among young people.

By combining public policy, education and sport , Malaysia demonstrates that pickleball can be much more than a leisure activity: a true public health tool.

Pickleball and the new generation

By making pickleball accessible to all students, Malaysia is helping to embed the sport in the culture of younger generations. Children who discover pickleball at school are more likely to continue playing it into adolescence and adulthood.

This approach promotes a positive and lasting relationship with sport, far from constraint, and reinforces active lifestyle habits from a young age.

Conclusion

With this initiative launched in 2025, Malaysia is sending a strong signal: sport is a key driver for children's health, education, and well-being . By offering free access to pickleball in schools during the week, the country is addressing major challenges such as sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time.

This program positions pickleball as a key sport in modern education and could well inspire other governments to follow the same path.

FAQ

When was the pickleball initiative launched in Malaysia?

The program began in 2025 in Malaysian schools.

Who is behind this measure?

The initiative is led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, in collaboration with educational institutions.

Is pickleball really free for students?

Yes, access to pickleball is free for all students during the week.

Why target the reduction of screen time?

The authorities want to combat sedentary lifestyles and encourage more active lifestyles among children.

Could this program be extended to other countries?

Yes, it constitutes a potentially replicable model for other educational systems.