From badminton Court too Pickleball Paradise: Peng Soon’s New Venture
Former Malaysian badminton star, Goh Soon Huat, better known as Peng Soon, is venturing into a new sporting arena – pickleball. His passion for the rapidly growing sport led him to establish Malaysia’s largest indoor air-conditioned pickleball venue, CPS Subang, at the 91 Sports Arena @ Giant USJ. This impressive facility boasts 16 badminton courts and 18 pickleball courts,solidifying Peng Soon’s place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
Peng Soon, who co-owns the centre, envisions a future where he might even represent Malaysia in pickleball. “Who knows, one day, I may represent Malaysia in this sport!” he exclaimed.This new venture is a testament to Peng Soon’s entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to remain active in the sports world. After retiring from professional badminton earlier this year,following a prosperous career that included a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics with his former mixed doubles partner Goh Liu Ying,Peng Soon sought a new challenge.
He discovered pickleball, initially as a recreational activity, but quickly became captivated by its growing popularity and dynamic gameplay. Recognizing the sport’s potential, Peng Soon decided to combine his love for badminton and pickleball by creating a single venue that caters to both.
CPS Subang not only addresses the high demand for badminton courts but also provides a dedicated space for pickleball enthusiasts. Peng Soon has also launched the CPS badminton academy, nurturing young badminton talent.
With support from sponsors like Daikin, Seiko, XP Protech, and Thong Sia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Peng soon aims to host pickleball competitions in the future, further promoting the sport’s growth in Malaysia. The center’s success reflects the increasing global interest in pickleball, a sport that is attracting players of all ages and skill levels.
From Smash Shots to Dinking Delights: An Interview wiht Badminton legend Goh Soon Huat
It’s not every day you see an Olympic medalist trade in their racket for a paddle but that’s precisely what former badminton star, Goh Soon Huat, better known as Peng Soon, is doing. Propelled by a passion for this dynamic new sport sweeping the globe,Peng Soon has opened CPS Subang,Malaysia’s largest indoor air-conditioned pickleball venue. Today, we’re thrilled to chat with Peng Soon about this unexpected pivot and his exciting plans for the future.
Welcome, peng Soon! It’s truly inspiring to see your transition from badminton to pickleball. What sparked your interest in this relatively new sport?
“Thank you! You know, after retiring from professional badminton, I was looking for a way to stay active and involved in the sports world. I stumbled upon pickleball, initially playing for fun, but I was quickly drawn to its fast-paced rallies, strategic gameplay, and inclusive nature.It’s a sport that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels, which I find truly refreshing.”
CPS Subang is quite the notable facility, boasting both badminton and pickleball courts. What was the motivation behind creating a shared space for these two sports?
“Speaking of inclusivity, I wanted to create a space where badminton enthusiasts and pickleball players could come together under one roof. CPS Subang caters to both communities,providing top-notch facilities for training,competition,and simply enjoying the game. It’s marvelous to see the cross-over appeal and the interaction between the two sport’s fans.”
You mentioned the competitive aspect – can you tell us more about your plans for pickleball tournaments and events at CPS Subang?
“Absolutely! We are actively planning to host pickleball competitions in the near future. We’ve partnered with some amazing sponsors like Daikin, Seiko, XP Protech, and Thong Sia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, who share our vision for developing pickleball in Malaysia. We want to organize events that attract both local and international players, promoting the sport’s growth and showcasing Malaysia as a pickleball hub.”
Now, let’s talk about your future in pickleball. You’ve mentioned representing Malaysia on the international stage. Is that a serious possibility?
“you know, it’s definitely a dream! Pickleball is a fast-growing sport globally, and Malaysia has seen a surge in popularity. I’m dedicating myself to training and honing my skills. While it requires a lot of hard work and commitment, I believe anything is possible. representing Malaysia in pickleball would be an amazing honor.”
What message would you give to aspiring athletes or enthusiasts looking to jump into pickleball?
“I’d say, give it a try! Pickleball is an incredibly fun and rewarding sport. It’s easy to learn but offers endless opportunities for skill progress and competition. Don’t be intimidated – just grab a paddle and dive in.You might just discover your new favourite passion.”
Peng Soon,thank you for sharing your insights. Your passion for pickleball is truly infectious, and we at [Your Sports Website] are excited to follow your journey.
We want to hear from you!
Do you think pickleball will overtake badminton in popularity? have you tried pickleball? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
