Pickleball 'smashes' Delia Arnold's heart

Former world No. 12 squash player Delia Arnold has discovered a new competitive drive in pickleball, years after retiring from her initial sport. Arnold, who announced her retirement from squash in 2017 due to a lack of motivation, found pickleball to be a refreshing change. Initially, she played the sport casually with friends, seeking exercise and enjoyment. However, the fast-growing sport gradually reignited her competitive instincts, which had waned during the latter part of her squash career. "When I found pickleball, I felt excited again because there are still many things to learn," Arnold told Mingguan Malaysia. She noted that the basic skills honed during her nearly two decades in professional squash have been invaluable in her transition to pickleball. The experience of training and competing at the highest levels of squash allowed her to adapt quickly to the new sport, despite the different court and equipment. Arnold sees promising growth in pickleball in Malaysia, with more local players getting opportunities to compete against international athletes. She believes this exposure is crucial for raising the standard of play and creating more opportunities for local talent. "I am happy to be able to compete again and want to see how far I can go in this sport," she added.

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When I found pickleball, I felt excited again because there are still many things to learn.