The recent ASICS Milo Pickleball challenge took place at Dink2 Courts on November 8th and 9th. The tournament showcased novice and advanced categories and showcased just how the sport is exploding in Malaysia.
Speaking to tournament organiser Melina Hwang she told us that after going live with the registration page for the tournament, all categories were full within 3 hours. “we imagined it would take days or weeks to get the 130 teams to register. In the end, all the slots were taken within 3 hours of announcing the tournament, and by the end of the days, we had another 150 teams on a waiting list!”
So just why is Pickleball taking off? According to Hwang, it has to do with community “Pickleball is different from other sports; people really do support each other, and despite the rate at which players are coming into the sport, a lot of us know each other well and support each other’s initiatives.”
She added, “When we announce a tournament like this with great prizes, word spreads fast through the community, and everyone comes together to support the event.”
PNA noted the high-profile support of sponsors like ASICS and Milo, who were visible across the tournament, and Mel explained that both companies are more than just sponsors. They can see the buzz around pickleball, and their intention in getting involved with the tournament is to really encourage the growth of grassroots play. They see how the sport is good for people in so many ways, and they want to ensure that as many people as possible learn about pickleball and have the chance to get involved.
In addition, the ASICS team was doing a bit of “undercover scouting” and looking for up-and-coming talent who could benefit from a helping hand with some sports apparel sponsorship. Look for some of those talented prospects to be sporting the latest ASICS shoes as they grace the pickleball courts!
Anyone who grew up in Southeast Asia knows how people can’t resist Milo, so having a Milo truck on hand at the tournament giving out free iced Milo drinks was a big draw to compete in itself, PNA noted that one of the competing teams, even named themselves “Just Here For The Milo”
The competition ran over two days with 6 categories covering novice and advanced as well as masters. Talking to Ken Lam from Dink2 Courts he told us that since launching his first indoor courts at DinkIT and now Dink2 he has seen the standard of play in Malaysia shoot up. He explained “The rise in standard of play at all levels is very impressive, I am seeing competitors at this event showing better court awareness, mixing dinks with drives and even the novices are attempting ernies”
It’s clear the excitement is palpable, and PNA will “stay tuned” to see if general participation continues to increase at such a fast rate and also look to see if Malaysia can contribute to the next wave of Asian Elite players.
Player Khaik Kew With His Wife Cindi Chow Enjoying a Milo Between Games
Natalie Loke who went on to medal in women’s doubles and take gold in mixed doubles
Jia An and Farreez lost the semi to Chow and Zaki – they will go on to take bronze and solver in the men’s open, respectively.
Jon Lee and Jason Tay entered the men’s open doubles as favourites. They didn’t disappoint, going on to take gold.
In between acting as the tournament’s official photographer, Jason Tee got on the court and hit the drives and volleys for which he is famous!
The photographer couldn’t help but notice the players wearing ASICS!
Tournament Organiser Melina Hwang keeping busy looking after over 300 players.
Even Novice players are reaching high standards of play.
Players travelled from other states, like Brian Chai and Lam Yat Yee from Ipoh Bugs Club
Just one group from one of the six categories that played over the two days of competition.
There is nothing like getting a podium position to bring a smile to a pickleballer’s face.
Women’s Doubles player Ju making sure she keeps her “eye on the ball”
James Chew and David Lee get so close but so far. After a marathon bronze medal match, they have to settle for fourth place.
Winston Khor one of the many Stonerz Pickleball players lending support to this event.
