Kota Kinabalu: Keningau’s women athletes continued to make their mark on Sabah’s growing pickleball scene after securing third place in the Veteran category at the 2026 Women’s Pickleball Championship, proving that talent from rural districts can compete alongside the State’s finest.
The achievement was celebrated by the wife of Sabah Assistant Finance Minister and Bingkor Assemblyman, Datin Tengku Aini Tengku Ibrahim, who attended the two-day championship at Pickle Collective, Sutera Harbour, to show her support for the participating athletes.
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Representing PH Blitz, the Keningau pairing of Alice Ng See Yin and Ablin Foh Nyuk Moi displayed determination, teamwork and consistency throughout the tournament before claiming a well-deserved podium finish against experienced competitors from across Sabah.
Tengku Aini described their success as the result of unwavering discipline, commitment to regular training and an admirable fighting spirit.
She said the accomplishment was not only a proud moment for Keningau but also a strong testament that athletes from rural communities possess the ability to excel when given the opportunity, proper guidance and continuous encouragement.
“The success achieved by Alice and Ablin should inspire more women, especially those from rural areas, to actively participate in sports and pursue excellence. Their achievement proves that dedication and perseverance can overcome geographical boundaries,” she said.
Tengku Aini added that Sabah is rich in sporting talent, and athletes from districts outside the major urban centres should continue to be given opportunities to showcase their abilities through quality competitions and development programmes.
The championship attracted 160 women players, forming 80 pairs from across Sabah, competing in three categories — Novice, Intermediate and Veteran — reflecting the rapid growth of pickleball among women in the State.
The tournament was officially opened by Mutiara GRS Home Bureau Chairperson Datin Noriah Pg Ahmad, representing Mutiara GRS President Datin Seri Juliah Salag.
Meanwhile, Bounce Pickleball Club President Nur Zahiera Putri Ismail said participation increased significantly this year, with 80 pairs competing compared to 50 pairs in the previous edition.
She said the encouraging response demonstrates the sport’s growing popularity among women and highlights the increasing enthusiasm for pickleball throughout Sabah.
According to her, the championship, jointly organised by Bounce Pickleball Club and Dinkers Point Pickleball Club, attracted participants from Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Keningau, Kota Belud and Kudat.
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament also served as a platform to discover emerging talent, enhance players’ technical abilities and strengthen camaraderie within Sabah’s pickleball community.
Also present was the wife of former Liawan Assemblyman, Datin Tengku Adlina Marita Tengku Adlin.
