Pickleball Ranking Mindset is Now Coming to Malaysia
Andrew LeeWhen Jan Papi moved to Asia at age 60, he wasn’t just retiring - he was reimagining the next frontier of pickleball.
The founder of the World Pickleball Championship (WPC), Jan Papi believes Asia is the true future of the sport - and he’s backing that belief with action.
In a candid exclusive interview on the Asia Voice of Pickleball (AVP) podcast by Pickle361, Papi detailed his 30-year journey from Europe to North America and now Asia.
What started as a tennis shop in Florida evolved into one of the sport’s earliest pro-ranking circuits, after he recognized a gap: “Pickleball didn’t have rankings, so I made one.”
MPA to Work with WPC to Introduce Malaysia National Ranking
In collaboration with the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA), WPC is assisting to establish the country’s first national ranking system - one that ties directly into international standings.
“This allows Malaysia to officially identify its top players and build a proper pathway to international competition,” Papi explained.
But this ranking system isn’t just for elite players. WPC champions the idea of “meaningful competition”, a concept Jan defines as tournaments that leave players with a tangible sense of purpose.
“When players compete, they should go home with more than just a medal,” he says. “They should leave with ranking points that reflect their effort and give them something to build toward.”
MOU signing between MPA acting president Delima & Jan Papi via WPC Asia
WPC’s system awards points based on wins and tournament tiers. Rating systems such as DUPR, focuses on the skills level, the ranking model encourages consistent engagement for top spots in the nation.
Ranking is Your Position in Action, Rating is Your Skill
This transparency is key for growing pickleball in countries like Malaysia, where official selection processes for international tournaments have been lacking.
With WPC’s support, Malaysia Pickleball Association and Malaysia can now field national teams based on merit and performance in the future, and lobby for greater recognition from sports authorities and the government.
“Rating is your skill,” Papi explains. “Ranking is your skill in action.”
Papi also emphasized WPC’s inclusivity: categories for players aged 19+, 35+, 50+, and 60+ ensure the sport stays relevant across all generations. “Even at 60, you should still feel like you’re part of something competitive and fun,” he adds.
As American tours like PPA eye Asian markets, Papi remains confident in WPC’s position. “We’ve been here. We’ve built relationships. We respect every player, regardless of level.”
In his closing remarks, Papi praised Pickle361 and the Malaysian pickleball community: “You’re building media, events, and the sport itself - all at the same time. That’s rare.”
With strong local partners, a clear ranking structure, and a commitment to accessibility, Jan Papi and WPC are not just hosting tournaments. They’re laying the foundation for pickleball’s future in Asia - one country at a time.
