Malaysia has been chosen as the permanent base of the Association of Pickleball Players’ (APP) Asia headquarters, a decision that signals the country’s growing stature in the sport. The announcement comes with the unveiling of the Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026, set for 22–26 July at Pickle By The Sea, Gurney Drive.
The Penang Open will not simply be another stop on the calendar—it is designed as a showcase. Fans can expect world-class competition, premium hospitality, interactive zones, and community-driven activities. For APP, it marks the first major milestone in its Asia expansion.
A Tour Across Asia
The Penang event is only the beginning. The APP Asia Tour will continue through China, Chinese Taipei, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and India before the year is out. Each stop will build momentum, bringing pickleball closer to mainstream recognition across the region.
Corporate Partnerships Add Weight
The tournament also carries corporate muscle. Leapmotor, China’s fast-rising electric vehicle brand and partner of Stellantis, will present its all-electric B10 model during the event. Stellantis ASEAN Managing Director Isaac Yeo underscored the shared values of innovation, performance, and sustainability—qualities that mirror pickleball’s rapid rise.
Selkirk, a leading name in pickleball equipment and apparel, will launch the Selkirk Academy in Malaysia. The academy promises elite training, clinics, and grassroots engagement, ensuring that the sport grows from the ground up while offering pathways for serious athletes.
Why It Matters
Malaysia’s designation as APP Asia HQ is more than symbolic. It positions the country as a hub for pickleball development, much as Singapore has become a centre for esports. For Penang, the Open is expected to draw international players and fans, boosting sports tourism and local visibility.
For Filipino enthusiasts, the regional spread of the tour—Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City among them—offers easier access to international-level competition and training.
Looking Ahead
The Penang Open is the first step in a long-term plan to embed pickleball in Asia’s sporting landscape. With Malaysia at the centre, the sport gains a permanent anchor in the region. The combination of global competition, corporate backing, and grassroots initiatives suggests that pickleball’s next chapter will be written not just in North America, but across Asia.
