History of the Sabah Pickleball Association (SAPA)

The Sabah Pickleball Association (SAPA) was established to promote, develop, and govern the sport of pickleball in Sabah. The association was formed as interest in pickleball began to grow rapidly across the state, bringing together players from diverse backgrounds and age groups.

One of the pioneers of the sport in Sabah is Julita Akabal, who discovered pickleball while working in Singapore. After returning to Sabah, she worked with fellow enthusiasts, including Robert Chiang, to introduce the sport to the local community and establish an official state association. https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/read/5366/pickleball-now-everyone-can-play

In 2023, SAPA received official recognition and began organizing its first activities, including the inaugural Kota Kinabalu Internal Pickleball Tournament at the Likas Sports Complex. These early events helped introduce the sport to the public and encouraged wider participation across Sabah. https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/225444/new-sport-enters-scene/

Since then, SAPA has continued to expand the sport by organizing tournaments, coaching clinics, instructor certification courses, and junior development programmes in collaboration with the Malaysia Pickleball Association. In 2024, SAPA co-organized Sabah's first Level 1 Certified Pickleball Instructor Course, helping to develop qualified coaches and strengthen the sport's foundation in the state.  

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/242262/malaysia-pickleball-association-sabah-pickleball-association-hold-inaugural-course-on-pickleball/

Today, SAPA is committed to making pickleball accessible to everyone in Sabah by promoting sportsmanship, healthy lifestyles, grassroots participation, and opportunities for athletes to compete at state, national, and international levels. The association is also recognized as Sabah's state affiliate by the Malaysia Pickleball Association.  https://malaysiapickleball.my/

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