Global sensation Anna Leigh Waters KL visit: When will Malaysia have its own star? [WATCH]

On a hazy morning in Kuala Lumpur, reporter stood on the rooftop pickleball court at Balai Berita, face to face with Anna Leigh Waters, the world No. 1 player in women's professional pickleball. Waters, just 19 years old, has become a global sensation for her exceptional skills and record-breaking achievements. She turned professional at just 12 years old and has won medals in all 46 events she entered during the 2025-26 PPA Tour season, including 43 golds and 12 singles tournaments.

Waters holds the tour record for career Triple Crowns and has become one of pickleball's defining faces, inspiring fans, sponsors and the media.

Meeting the star made the reporter wonder when Malaysia would have its own pickleball star who could command the same attention. While Malaysia has domestic competitions like the WPC Malaysia Series and the PPA Asia 1000 Leapmotor KL Cup, the pathway from grassroots participation to international excellence needs further development. The question is whether the country can support a sustained pathway from grassroots participation to international excellence.

Waters' success in pickleball showcases the potential for a Malaysian player to achieve similar heights. However, turning potential into podium success requires structured training, quality coaching, regular competition, and financial support. Malaysia has the foundations for such development, but it needs to identify emerging talent, provide coaching and exposure, and ensure financial constraints don't shut gifted players out.

Building a stronger development pathway would give more players the chance to discover how far their talent could take them.