By Solehah M. Misnan
In a small rural village in Teluk Intan, something meaningful is taking shape at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Kerawai.
Surrounded by paddy fields and traditional kampung homes, this school continues to push beyond its geographical limits in shaping the potential of its students. Recently, SK Sungai Kerawai joined the growing movement of introducing one of the world’s fastest-rising sports—pickleball—to young learners.
This effort was made possible through the support of 002 Academy and the Teluk Intan Pickleball Club. Led by Mr. Colin Tan, 002 Academy is known as one of Malaysia’s most active pickleball organisations, with members who have even competed at the Pickleball World Cup. Their willingness to travel from Ipoh to a rural school—bringing along eight volunteer coaches—speaks volumes about their commitment to giving students equal access to quality sports education.
For the pupils of SK Sungai Kerawai, the programme was more than just trying out a new sport. With professional Selkirk paddles specially sponsored for the session, the children had the chance to learn using the same equipment used by players around the world. Their excitement was clear from the moment they stepped onto the court—many discovering new interests and untapped abilities.
Behind the initiative is Cikgu Solehah Mardhiyah binti Misnan, the programme coordinator and a dedicated Physical and Health Education teacher. Her connection with pickleball began nine years ago while studying at the University of Southern Indiana. Realising how accessible and student-friendly the sport is, she believed it could benefit Malaysian schools, especially those in rural settings.
“Pickleball is easy to learn, fun, and fits perfectly into our PE syllabus,” she explained. “It strengthens skills such as the forehand and backhand strokes under the net/wall games category. It’s a sport that supports both learning and enjoyment.”
This programme shows how strong community partnerships can elevate education in rural areas. By bringing an internationally recognised sport to a kampung school, SK Sungai Kerawai is opening new possibilities—building confidence, teamwork, and a love for physical activity among its students.
As classes resume, many pupils carry with them a renewed spirit for sports—and perhaps the beginning of a lifelong passion. With continued support from organisations like 002 Academy, rural schools can prove that opportunities in education aren’t defined by location.
In Malaysia’s evolving sports landscape, the spark lit at SK Sungai Kerawai may just be the start of something much bigger.
