Malaysia’s sporting landscape just got more exciting as national hockey icon Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi made a remarkable transition into the world of pickleball, proving that his athletic prowess extends far beyond the hockey field.

The former captain of Malaysia’s 1998 Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning hockey squad led his team, ASPAC, to a triumphant victory at the prestigious PickleUnite SportsUnite 2025 Team Goodwill Challenge, held at the buzzing PickleJam Arena in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur. Despite being a newcomer to the sport, Mirnawan, 54, displayed exceptional skill and leadership, steering ASPAC to championship glory.

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From Hockey to Pickleball: A Natural Transition

Mirnawan only picked up pickleball in May 2023, but he didn’t just dabble—he dove in headfirst, playing four to five times a week. His rapid rise in the sport was fueled by his relentless drive, squaring off against more seasoned players and soaking up knowledge from online coaching videos. “I learned it by playing against more skilled players and getting tips from coaches online,” he shared, showcasing his never-ending hunger for competition.

ASPAC’s lineup was stacked with elite talent, including national women's footballers Steffi Sarge Kaur and Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli, alongside national hockey player Nabil Fiqri Mohammad Nor. With this powerhouse squad, ASPAC stormed through the tournament with an impressive record of 16 wins and just five losses.

Adding to the team’s firepower were Jaya Jaya Dennis and Lim Ju En, both of whom played pivotal roles in securing ASPAC’s victory. Their reward? A valuable pickleball equipment voucher worth between RM600 and RM1,500—fitting prizes for a team that brought their A-game.

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A Tournament That Celebrates Unity Through Sport

The PickleUnite SportsUnite 2025 Team Goodwill Challenge was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of sportsmanship and unity. Featuring eight teams in a thrilling round-robin format, the tournament required diverse pairings across men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles—highlighting the event’s commitment to racial harmony through sports.

ASPAC faced stiff competition from KL Patriots, who finished as runners-up with 14 wins and seven losses. Meanwhile, Pickle Noobs battled hard to claim third place with a record of 12 wins and nine losses.

Tournament chairman Shergar Reza underscored the event’s core values: “SportsUnite continues to be the only organizer that promotes the spirit of goodwill through the participation of players from various races in all its teams.”

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Pickleball’s Growing Appeal in Malaysia

Pickleball, a fast-paced sport played with a paddle and a baseball-sized perforated ball, has been gaining momentum in Malaysia. The game, which combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, is played on a badminton-sized court with a lower net, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.

With high-profile athletes like Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi embracing the sport, pickleball is set to expand even further across the country. His journey from hockey to pickleball serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, proving that with dedication and passion, mastery in one sport can translate into success in another.

As Malaysia continues to nurture its pickleball community, tournaments like the PickleUnite SportsUnite 2025 Team Goodwill Challenge will play a pivotal role in fostering camaraderie and excellence in the sport. One thing is certain—pickleball’s rise in Malaysia has only just begun, and with legends like Mirnawan leading the way, the future looks incredibly promising.