Malaysia Named APP Asia HQ As Penang Open Takes Centre Court

GEORGE TOWN, June 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has been selected as the permanent home of the Association of Pickleball Players’ (APP) new Asia headquarters, with the Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026 set to mark the first major milestone of that commitment.

The tournament, scheduled from July 22 to 26 at Pickle By The Sea @ Penang Gurney Drive, will feature world-class pickleball competition alongside premium hospitality, interactive fan zones and community-driven activities for players and spectators of all levels.

In a statement, APP said the Penang tournament would serve as a major mid-year anchor for the newly launched APP Asia Tour, which was introduced following strong demand and rapid growth of the sport across the region.

Following the Penang leg, the APP Asia Tour will continue through China, Chinese Taipei, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and India for the remainder of 2026, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a key hub for pickleball development in Asia.

Title sponsor Leapmotor, one of China’s fastest-growing new energy vehicle brands and a strategic electric vehicle partner of Stellantis, will showcase its all-electric Leapmotor B10 at the tournament, in line with the event’s focus on innovation, active lifestyle and sustainable mobility.

Stellantis ASEAN managing director Isaac Yeo said the collaboration reflected shared values of innovation, performance and forward-thinking ambition, adding that the company looked forward to engaging with the growing pickleball community while showcasing intelligent and sustainable mobility.

APP said Selkirk, a pickleball equipment and sportswear brand, would also bring the Selkirk Academy to Malaysia to support player development through elite training, foundational clinics and grassroots engagement, while registration, event schedules and ticket details for the Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026 are now available online. 

-- BERNAMA