The Future: 9-Year-Olds Muhammad Arami, Aali Hadidh Among Big Winners at DBKL Kuala Lumpur Open 2025 – Pickleball News Asia
A pair of nine-year-olds—Muhammad Arami Bin Mohamad Fadzil and Aali Hafidh Bin Mohamed Bukhari —were
Arami and Aali topped the Junior Under-10 Boys’ Doubles category in a thrilling final that saw them fall behind early. Looking headed for a runner-up finish, Arami and Aali showcased grace under pressure, and calm that belied their youth, as they rallied to win the championship.
Afterwards, PNA caught up with the newly minted champions, who acknowledged that despite their calm demeanour, they actually felt nervous going into their gold-medal match.
“Actually, this is my first tournament and first medal in pickleball,” Arami told PNA. “I was a little nervous this morning, but once I started my warm-up, the nerves went away.”
“Of course there’s some nerves, but we were feeling pretty good going into the final,” added Aali.
After tasting gold at such a young age, it’s clear that both Arami and Aali could have a bright future ahead of them in the world’s fastest-rising sport. And for Arami, whose favourite pickleball player is “Tweener King” Christian Alshon, that future includes turning pro and “representing Malaysia at international level.”
Aali, who adores pickleball GOAT Ben Johns, isn’t looking that far ahead—yet. But he told PNA that, at the moment, he just wants to have some fun, “keep levelling up,” and “play as much pickleball as possible.” Judging by the talent he displayed at the DBKL Kuala Lumpur Open 2025, it’s not much of a stretch to think he’ll ultimately turn pro as well, representing Malaysia alongside Arami.
But just how good are Arami and Aali at this point in their young pickleball careers?
LinkedUp Asia’s Melina Hwang, who finished in joint third place in the Masters Above 90 Women’s Doubles category with partner Masri Ayob, was particularly impressed. In fact, according to her, the two new champions have the potential to become great players.
“For their age and size, they are very good—strong shots, not scared of fast balls, and very good drives,” she said of her assessment of the two boys. “If they carry on practising, they will become very, very good players.”
At this point, both Arami and Aali look pretty good for their age bracket. And they have a golden conquest to prove it.
(Click HERE to check out the other winners of the DBKL Kuala Lumpur Open 2025.)
