Malaysia’s “Prince of Pickleball”
By The Pickleball Weekly Editorial Team • Apr 8, 2026 • 7 min read
Jimmy Liong Kai Long, a champion emerging at the right time
IN A COUNTRY rapidly establishing itself as one of Asia’s most dynamic pickleball markets, Jimmy Liong Kai Long has emerged as its most recognizable figure. As of early 2026, he holds the No. 1 ranking in Malaysia in both men’s singles and men’s doubles, positioning himself at the forefront of the sport’s competitive rise in the region.
His presence is not limited to rankings. Liong is a consistent figure in major tournaments, digital content, and national conversations around the sport, widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s most advanced and competitive players.
Still only in his early twenties, his ascent has unfolded alongside the sport’s expansion across Malaysia, making him both a product of its growth and a driver of its momentum.
A Champion Early
Jimmy Liong’s rise accelerated in 2024, when he became the first Malaysian to win the World Pickleball Championship, capturing the men’s singles over-19 title in Bali.
The victory marked a defining moment, not only for Liong, but for Malaysian pickleball. It established the country as a serious contender on the international stage and introduced a player capable of competing beyond regional boundaries.
“Hard work, dedication, and love for the game paid off. Grateful for the journey and the support that got me here!” Liong wrote following the win.
The result itself was striking. The timeline was even more so. Liong had only begun playing pickleball toward the end of 2023, entering his first tournament shortly after and winning it.
That early success proved to be more than a breakthrough. It was an indication of what would follow.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Like many of the region’s leading players, Liong’s background is rooted in tennis. He competed at the national level before transitioning to pickleball, bringing with him a competitive mindset and technical foundation that translated quickly to the new sport.
His introduction to pickleball came through family influence, after repeated encouragement from his father to try the sport. The shift from tennis to pickleball was not framed as a long-term plan at the outset. It was an opportunity explored, then pursued. Within a year, it had already resulted in a world championship.
“My schedule is basically just playing tournaments, training hard and recovery and repeat.” — Jimmy Liong Kai Long, Malaysia’s No. 1 Ranked Player
Playing His Own Game
Liong’s approach to competition reflects a mindset grounded in simplicity and self-reliance.
“During the group stage, I was just trying to get through it,” he said of his championship run. “I was just trying to get through the group stage… I’m just going to keep trying my best just to play.”
As the tournament progressed, that mindset remained consistent.
“I was just telling myself, go for it… mostly I just played my game. I didn’t do anything extra or anything less. I just keep using my weapons… play my own strategy and not following the opponent’s pace.”
That clarity has become a defining characteristic. Rather than adapting excessively to opponents, he focuses on maintaining his own level and rhythm, a discipline that has contributed to his consistency across competitions.
Competing Across the International Stage
Following his world championship, Liong continued to compete across regional and international tournaments, establishing himself as a consistent presence in the Asian circuit.
He remains active in events across multiple countries and continues to face top-level competition, including other leading Malaysian players such as Colin Wong and Syed Uzair.
At the same time, his rankings have remained stable at the top of the national level, reflecting both performance and consistency.
The Franklin Milestone
In December 2025, Liong reached another significant milestone, signing with Franklin Pickleball Malaysia as part of its professional team.
The deal marked a major moment for both the player and the sport locally. It represented one of the first major professional signings in Malaysia and reinforced Liong’s position as the country’s leading athlete in pickleball.
“I’m honored to join Franklin, a brand that has supported the growth of pickleball not just in Malaysia, but around the world,” Liong said. “I’ve seen firsthand how Franklin is helping build the community here, and I’m excited to represent a brand that believes in the potential of Malaysian players.”
The partnership also reflects a broader shift, where global brands are beginning to invest in Asian markets as the sport expands.
Balancing Sport and Business
What makes Liong’s career particularly distinctive is that his focus is not limited to pickleball alone. Alongside his competitive pursuits, he is also a businessman, managing multiple ventures including a sports retail business and an academy focused on developing players.
That balance creates a unique dynamic. While many professional athletes operate within a single-track system, Liong is navigating both sport and entrepreneurship simultaneously.
The demands are real. Travel, training, and competition are layered alongside business responsibilities, requiring a level of discipline that extends beyond the court.
At the same time, his long-term plan reflects a clear direction.
“My plan is to arrange all my business by end of this year,” he said. “Then next year… I can try to turn pro, go for a lot of touring tournaments.”
“I’m honored to join Franklin, a brand that has supported the growth of pickleball not just in Malaysia, but around the world.” — Jimmy Liong Kai Long, Malaysia’s No. 1 Ranked Player
The Discipline of Routine
Liong’s daily structure reflects the demands of maintaining a top position.
“My schedule is basically just playing tournaments, training hard and recovery and repeat,” he said.
His routine centers on repetition and physical preparation, balancing training sessions with recovery and occasional strength work. The simplicity of that structure mirrors his approach to competition—focused, consistent, and without excess. The sacrifices are equally clear.
“Can’t be with family all the time… because I’ve been traveling around the world playing,” he said.
It is a trade-off common to professional athletes, but one that underscores the commitment required to remain at the top.
A Role Beyond the Court
As Malaysia’s top-ranked player, Liong’s role extends beyond results. He has spoken about the need for visible figures within the sport—players who can inspire and represent its growth.
“We need people… to go internationally, play tournaments, win… become the star of Malaysia, then we look up to him, then the sports will continue to grow,” he said.
When asked about stepping into that role himself, his response was measured.
“I want to be the best… and hopefully be idolized by many people,” he said.
The ambition is clear, even if expressed without excess.
Following His Own Pace
Despite early success, Liong has maintained a consistent perspective on progression.
“Follow your own pace,” he said when asked about advice for younger players. “Do what you like, do what you love, then it will just go… it will just be better and better.”
That approach reflects not only his own career path, but the broader development of pickleball in Malaysia—a sport growing quickly, but still defining its structure and opportunities.
The Prince of a Growing Game
Jimmy Liong Kai Long’s rise is closely tied to the timing of the sport itself. As pickleball expands across Malaysia and Asia, his presence provides a point of reference for what success can look like.
He is a national champion, an international competitor, and an emerging figure within a sport still shaping its identity in the region.
At just 22, he has already reached milestones that place him among the most significant players in Malaysia’s pickleball story. What comes next remains open. As he put it simply: “We’ll never know unless we try… so I’m trying.”
The Pickleball Editorial Team produces in-depth reporting and cover features that examine the sport’s growth, innovation, competition, and culture. With contributors who understand both the strategy of the game and the forces shaping its future, the team is committed to telling the full story of modern pickleball.
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