Six new courts for padel and pickleball to enhance Johor’s sports tourism in 2025.
Johor is set to embrace the rising popularity of padel and pickleball with plans to construct six new courts across the state. This initiative, led by the Johor State Government, aims to strengthen the region’s position as a premier sports tourism destination in Malaysia, with tenders for the projects expected to open by March 2025.
With sports tourism emerging as a key growth sector in Malaysia, Johor is investing in padel and pickleball infrastructure to attract both domestic and international athletes. The development aligns with Johor’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism offerings and enhance community sports engagement.
Six New Courts Planned in Johor
Johor’s State Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development, and Cooperatives Exco, Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, announced plans to build six courts—padel courts in Nusa Duta and pickleball courts near Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya. The tender process is expected to commence between February and March 2025, with completion anticipated within six to eight months.
RM500,000 Allocated for Pickleball Development
During the presentation of Johor’s Budget 2025, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi confirmed an allocation of RM500,000 (approximately SGD 149,831) dedicated to constructing pickleball courts. This budget reflects the state’s commitment to diversifying its sports offerings to attract tourism and promote healthy lifestyles.
In addition to the padel and pickleball courts, Johor plans to open a Khabib Gym in partnership with former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. The gym’s design is complete, with site discussions ongoing in areas like Iskandar Puteri. The project awaits the consent of Johor’s Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Johor State Sports Council (MSNJ) and Khabib Nurmagomedov was recently signed in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to introduce world-class mixed martial arts (MMA) training facilities in Johor, enhancing the state’s appeal to global sports enthusiasts.
Strengthening Johor’s Position as a Sports Hub
Johor’s strategic investments in sports infrastructure are part of a larger vision to transform the state into a regional sports hub. These initiatives are expected to attract international tournaments, boost local economies, and create job opportunities in the sports and tourism sectors.
Johor’s new padel and pickleball courts, along with the upcoming Khabib Gym, offer exciting opportunities for cross-border sports tourism. These developments promise enhanced recreational options, competitive events, and international sports collaborations, making Johor an attractive destination for athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Sources: Malay Mail, Bernama (2025)
Keywords: Johor, Padel, Pickleball, Sports Tourism, Malaysia, New Courts, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Johor Development, Budget 2025, Fitness Malaysia
