SABAK BERNAM – An exhilarating fusion of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP polo) has officially arrived in Malaysia, bringing non-stop action to the night events of the Karnival Ban Canal 2026.
Held at the scenic Ban Canal in Parit 14, Simpang Lima from November 6 to 8, the three-day carnival features an array of outdoor challenges, cultural performances, traditional food, and family-friendly activities, with the brand-new water sport standing out as one of its absolute highlights.
Played on flat water within sectioned-off arenas or swimming pools, SUP Polo originated in the United Kingdom as a light-hearted novelty before evolving into a competitive team sport.
Teams manoeuvre inflatable paddleboards whilst using specialised mesh paddles to control and shoot a ball into the opponent's net.
The rules are fast and furious, featuring intense five-minute halves separated by a quick one-minute rest interval.
The energetic display at Sabak Bernam drew a diverse roster of competitors, ranging from enthusiastic local residents and university students to seasoned international athletes.
Pelaburan Mara Berhad representative Mohamad Faizul Abdul Hamid, 46, affectionately known as Pesot, served as head judge for the tournament and expressed immense optimism for the sport's future in the region.
"It is great fun and I truly hope we can groom athletes from these events to represent the country on the international stage," Pesot said, emphasising the potential of SUP Polo to grow from a recreational activity into a recognised national discipline.
Among the standout competitors hitting the water was 17-year-old canoe slalom athlete Ahmad Zikri Mohd Nor Arif, who claimed a bronze medal for Malaysia at last year's SEA Games.
Having taken up kayaking in 2021, Zikri only picked up SUP Polo recently after being encouraged by his peers.
"I was influenced by my friends. They invited me to join," Zikri shared.
He also explained about the unfamiliar sport saying it is not really difficult as he sees it as a fun sport to participate in.
“As long as the time is not up, keep fighting,” Zikri said.
Zikri also hoped that the thrill of SUP Polo would shine a broader light on paddle sports across the country.
"It is not that famous right now, so if possible, I want more people to know about it. My advice to anyone starting out is to just keep consistent.
“If you want to do it, do it properly and stay dedicated," he added.
Also joining the fray was 25-year-old Mohamad Nazrin Najib, a multi-talented national athlete competing in canoe slalom, canoe polo and dragon boat racing.
Returning for his second appearance at the carnival, Nazrin welcomed the unique physical test that SUP Polo presents.
"For canoe slalom, I compete seriously, but for SUP Polo, I am doing it for fun because it is quite hard because you have to control the ball while balancing standing up on the board, so it is both challenging and entertaining.
“There is no complex strategy, you just do it and believe in yourself,” Nazrin expllained when being asked about his strategy to win a game.
Nazrin echoed the sentiment that Malaysia's sporting scene has much to gain from adopting fresh aquatic disciplines.
"More people should definitely try this sport because it pushes you beyond your limits.
To achieve your goals in any sport, you must train harder than anyone else and stay consistent," he urged.
With vibrant floodlights illuminating the canal waters and crowds cheering from the banks, SUP Polo proved to be an unforgettable highlight of Carnival Ban Canal 2026, marking a promising new chapter for water sports enthusiasts across Malaysia.