KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Indian pickleball player Vanshik Kapadia is looking forward to competing in two tournaments in Malaysia this month, describing the country as his “second home” and expressing confidence of delivering strong performances.
The 21-year-old said he will compete in the Skechers Malaysia Edition at Tomaz Pickleball Club this weekend before featuring in the PPA Asia KL Open at 9 Pickle, which he described as one of the biggest tournaments organised by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).
“Malaysia always feels like my second home, and whenever I’m here the people over here are so hospitable,” he said in a recent interview.
He said he will partner Malaysian player, Mia Athilla, in the mixed doubles and Marco Leung of Macau in the men’s doubles at the Skechers Malaysia Edition Tournament.
On his target for both tournaments, the Indian player said he prefers to focus on enjoying his game rather than putting himself under pressure.
“Just smile and play. That’s what I believe in. If you smile and play, you play your best pickleball,” he said.
He added that although winning gold medals is always the aim, playing under stress could affect performance and motivation.
The youngster also said he is in good physical condition and free from injury heading into the two tournaments.
Kapadia has already enjoyed major success in Malaysia and on the Asian circuit after making history as the first Indian player to win men’s doubles gold, mixed doubles gold and men’s singles silver, a triple medal achievement, at the inaugural PPA Tour Asia held in Kuala Lumpur in 2025.
More recently, he captured a triple crown at the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) at Pickle by the Sea in Penang in April 2026, winning gold medals in men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
Asked about the local scene, he said Malaysia’s pickleball standard has improved with each of his visits, supported by better facilities, coaching and infrastructure.
“The level of competition every time I come to Malaysia is always a notch higher,” he said.
He said Southeast Asia offers good opportunities for players to compete regularly, adding that the weather in Malaysia suits him as it is similar to conditions in India.
Comparing the sport’s growth in India and Malaysia, he said pickleball in India is still more recreational for many players, while Malaysian players appear more driven to compete seriously and represent the country in the future.
He also believes Asia has the potential to become a major force in international pickleball, provided players in the region gain greater exposure against stronger opponents.
-- BERNAMA
