NST Takes ... to Court EP01 - Cik Manggis and Renyi Chin

Summary

In this engaging episode of NC Takes to Court, Yi and Inden dive into the world of pickleball, exploring its rapid rise in popularity in Malaysia. The episode features interviews with Chet Mangis, a former dancer turned singer, who shares his journey into pickleball, and Reni Chin, the founder of Pickleball Gang and My Burger Lab, who discusses the community-driven growth of the sport. They explore the accessibility, fun, and social aspects of pickleball, highlighting its addictive nature and how it brings people together while encouraging physical activity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in Malaysia, with a growing community and increasing interest from various demographics.
• 😀 Chet Mangis, a former dancer and singer, became interested in pickleball after her husband introduced her to it as part of their fitness journey post-COVID-19.
• 😀 Chet's background includes traditional dance and street dance, which she humorously relates to her style of playing pickleball.
• 😀 Despite initially being skeptical about pickleball, Chet became passionate about the sport after playing it with her friends and husband.
• 😀 Chet Mangis has a Duper rating of 3.0, but aspires to improve and play with professional athletes in the future.
• 😀 Reni Chin, founder of Pickleball Gang, promotes pickleball in Malaysia by reviewing courts and producing engaging content for the community.
• 😀 Reni's background in food, specifically his brand 'My Burger Lab,' connects him to the social aspect of pickleball, which he sees as a way to bring people together.
• 😀 The appeal of pickleball lies in its low barrier to entry, making it easy for beginners to pick up the paddle and start playing, which contributes to its rapid growth.
• 😀 Both guests emphasize the importance of community leaders in sustaining the sport's growth and ensuring that new players feel welcomed and supported.
• 😀 The growth of pickleball has led to a rapid increase in the number of courts in Malaysia, with concerns that too many courts and not enough players could lead to inefficiencies.

Q & A

How did Chet Mangis get his nickname 'Chipmies'?

Chet Mangis got his nickname 'Chipmies' because of his resemblance to a very round, white mango, which people started calling him. The name stuck and he began using it as a stage name, finding that it gave him more recognition and opportunities.

What inspired Chet Mangis to start playing pickleball?

Chet Mangis was inspired to start playing pickleball by his husband. After experiencing fatigue from COVID and realizing they needed to get back into sports, they turned to surf skating and later transitioned to pickleball, a sport his husband quickly became passionate about.

What background in sports does Chet Mangis have before pickleball?

Before pickleball, Chet Mangis was a track athlete in school and university. He also practiced martial arts, though he rarely shared this part of his athletic background with others.

What is Chet Mangis’s duper rating in pickleball, and what are his thoughts on it?

Chet Mangis’s duper rating is around 3.0, but he feels it should be higher, believing his skills are stronger than what the rating suggests.

Who is Chet Mangis’s idol in pickleball, and why?

Chet Mangis’s idol in pickleball is Mari Hamburg from Brazil. He admires her skills, particularly her speed and backhand technique, and hopes to reach that level of expertise someday.

What is 'Pickleball Gang,' and what is its purpose?

Pickleball Gang is a social media platform initially created to review pickleball courts and ensure they meet certain standards. Over time, it expanded to include fun and behind-the-scenes content, as well as news and drama, to keep the pickleball community informed.

What other business is Renie Chin involved in, and how does it relate to his involvement in pickleball?

Renie Chin is the founder of 'My Burger Lab,' a popular burger brand in Malaysia. His involvement in the food and beverage industry gives him insights into trends, and he applies this experience to his growing interest in the pickleball community, where he helps facilitate growth through community engagement.

What was Renie Chin’s previous experience with sports before getting into pickleball?

Before pickleball, Renie Chin played ultimate frisbee and tennis. His tennis experience is particularly relevant to pickleball, as both sports share similar swings and techniques.

Why is pickleball becoming so popular in Malaysia?

Pickleball is gaining popularity in Malaysia due to its social aspect. It is easy to pick up and play, with a low barrier to entry, which makes it accessible to people of all skill levels. The dopamine boost from successfully hitting the ball keeps players coming back, and as they improve, they become more attached to the sport.

What challenges are there in growing the sport of pickleball in Malaysia?

One challenge in growing pickleball is ensuring that there are enough players to match the increasing number of courts being built. Some court owners may not do proper research before opening new locations, leading to oversaturation in certain areas. Community leaders are essential for driving growth and encouraging new players to join the sport.