Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 Sets Record: Pickleball gained a major boost in Asia as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour Asia: Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 took place from September 24 to 28 at the 9Pickle Setia Alam Championship Court in Shah Alam, Selangor. The event featured a record prize pool of over US$150,000 (RM633,000), the largest ever for a pickleball tournament in Asia.
Sports Can Grow Together
World No.4 Christian Alshon, a former tennis singles champion from the United States who switched to pickleball in 2021, said the sport does not threaten other racquet games.
“I think tennis can really help pickleball grow. It does not have to be one against the other. I think racquet sports need to unite – tennis, padel, pickleball, badminton and ping pong. I love them all,”(Christian Alshon).
Alshon stressed that different racquet sports can share players and fans, helping each other grow instead of competing.
Rapid Growth Across Asia
Pickleball’s popularity in Malaysia has grown quickly, with the Malaysian Pickleball Association estimating about 10,000 active players across the country. American-Vietnamese player Alix Truong, ranked No.17 in mixed doubles, praised the sport’s rise in Asia.
“To see pickleball grow not just in Vietnam but also Malaysia and across Asia has been amazing, with the help of the Professional Pickleball Association,”(Alix Truong).
Truong added that the social side of pickleball attracts many players.
“That inclusiveness is a big draw,”(Alix Truong),
noting that four players can share the court instead of two, making it feel more like a team sport.
Building Future Talent
United Pickleball Association (UPA) Asia managing director Kimberly Koh explained that UPA is working to grow the game at the regional level. She said UPA supports PPA tour stops, programs to attract young athletes, and community-based development to help local talent. Panas Express founder Vincent Siow also attended the event to show support for the sport’s growth.
Significance and Next Steps
The Panas Malaysia Cup highlighted how pickleball is becoming a key sport in Asia. With strong prize money, rising player numbers, and support from global organizations, the game is set to expand even further. Players and leaders hope that one day pickleball could even make it to the Olympic Games.
News in Brief: Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 Sets Record
The PPA Tour Asia: Panas Malaysia Cup 2025 ended in Selangor with a record US$150,000 prize pool. World No.4 Christian Alshon urged racquet sports to unite. American-Vietnamese player Alix Truong praised Asia’s growth, while UPA Asia vowed to develop young players and expand pickleball across the region.
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