PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup: The world’s top pickleball players will compete in Malaysia when the inaugural PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup takes place at the 9Pickle Setia Alam Championship Court from September 24 to 28. The tournament offers a record prize pool of more than US$150,000, the largest in Asia for the sport.
Pickleball Growth in Malaysia
Pickleball is growing fast in Malaysia, with the Malaysian Pickleball Association estimating about 10,000 active players nationwide. New courts are opening across the country, and some futsal and badminton facilities are being converted to meet the demand. The Panas Malaysia Cup highlights this rapid rise in popularity.
Players Share Their Views
American world No. 4 Christian Alshon, a former tennis player who switched to pickleball in 2021, believes racquet sports can grow together.
“As much as I love tennis versus pickleball battles, I think tennis can really help pickleball grow. It doesn’t have to be one against the other.
This is my first time in Asia, and Malaysia is my first stop. I am honoured to be here, you’ve been so welcoming. I think racquet sports need to unite — tennis, padel, pickleball, badminton, ping pong. I love them all. Let’s make pickleball the fastest-growing sport in Malaysia,” he said.
American-Vietnamese player Alix Truong praised Asia’s quick embrace of the game and hopes it will reach the Olympic stage.
“I was just in Vietnam two weeks ago, then came back to the US before returning here. To see pickleball grow not just in Vietnam but also Malaysia and across Asia has been amazing with the help of the PPA Asia crew,” she said.
“Here, you can build a 20-court facility in a month compared to much longer in the US. Asians also enjoy team sports, and pickleball allows four players on court instead of two. That inclusiveness is a big draw. Everyone wants it in the Olympics, and I think we’re on the right track.”
What Comes Next
The Panas Malaysia Cup is expected to boost pickleball’s presence across Asia and inspire more players to join the sport. With major stars competing and record prize money on the line, the tournament may help pickleball gain more recognition and move closer to future Olympic inclusion.
News in Brief: PPA Tour Asia Panas Malaysia Cup
The Panas Malaysia Cup will bring top pickleball stars to Malaysia from September 24 to 28 at the 9Pickle Setia Alam Championship Court. With a record prize pool of more than US$150,000, the event highlights the sport’s rapid growth in Malaysia, where an estimated 10,000 players are already active.
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