Kuching dodgeball scene gains regional exposure

KUCHING: The second edition of the Kuching Dodgeball Open Tournament (KDOT) 2026 aims to give local athletes greater competitive exposure while strengthening ties with dodgeball communities across the region.

The two-day tournament from Saturday (Oct 24) to Sunday (Oct 25) at Arena Sukan, brings together 15 teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

Organised by the Kuching Dodgeball Association (KDA) in conjunction with the What About Kuching (WAK) Festival, the competition features 11 teams from Sarawak, two from West Malaysia, and one each from Singapore and Brunei.

Following its inaugural edition on December 6 and 7 last year, at NBL Arena, Taman Seng Goon, KDOT returns with a continued focus on developing competitive dodgeball in Sarawak and creating more opportunities for local athletes to compete at regional level.

KDA’s President, Darren Robin said the tournament also aims to introduce more members of the public to competitive dodgeball and raise awareness of the sport’s growing presence in Kuching.

“Many people may not realise that Kuching has its own active dodgeball community. With teams from Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei coming together for this tournament, we hope more people will take the opportunity to come and experience what competitive dodgeball is really like,” he said.

He added that the organisers hoped spectators would develop a greater interest in the sport, with some potentially inspired to join the local dodgeball community.

KDOT 2026 features the mixed foam dodgeball category, with each team fielding three male and three female players on court.

With last year’s defending champions not returning for this edition, a new champion will be crowned.

A total of RM7,000 in cash prizes is up for grabs, with the champions set to receive RM3,500, medals and a trophy.

The runners-up will take home RM2,000 and medals, while the third-placed team will receive RM1,000 and medals.

The Male and Female Most Valuable Player (MVP) award recipients will each receive RM250 and a trophy.

Supported by sponsor Driver AI, the tournament forms part of KDA’s ongoing efforts to develop the sport in Sarawak and provide local players with more opportunities to test themselves against regional competition.

Members of the public are invited to attend the tournament, with free admission on both days.

Matches run from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at Arena Sukan, Kuching.