KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The CelcomDigi World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Asia Grand Slam 2025 was officially launched at The Pickle Grounds, a custom-built rooftop venue at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya. The launch event was officiated by YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, marking a significant milestone for pickleball in the region.
Scheduled to run from July 16 to 20, 2025, the tournament is projected to host over 1,500 player participants from more than 20 countries, with an expected attendance of over 3,000 spectators. This event is poised to be the largest and most prestigious pickleball tournament ever held in Asia, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in the expanding global pickleball movement. Malaysia is currently ranked among the top three nations worldwide in pickleball player participation.
“This event is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of sport, community, and global connection,” stated YB Adam Adli during the launch. He emphasized that pickleball is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting and inclusive sports globally, particularly appealing to young people. He expressed the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ pride in supporting such events, alongside partners like the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to position Malaysia as a preferred destination for global sports tourism. YB Adam Adli further noted that the championship serves as a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to youth empowerment, sports tourism, and its growing presence in the international sports arena.
Since its establishment in 2019, the World Pickleball Championship series has expanded considerably, now encompassing over 80 tournaments across 15 countries and four continents, with more than 60,000 registered players globally. This event marks the first Grand Slam in Asia within the WPC series and features a substantial prize pool of RM120,000, placing Malaysia in the global spotlight for the sport.
Mr. Jan Papi, Founder & Managing Director of the World Pickleball Championship, commented, “This is not just a tournament; it’s a movement. Malaysia is leading the way in bringing pickleball to Asia on a world-class scale. The Grand Slam will be a celebration of sport, community, and innovation that inspires future generations of players.”
Chan May Ling, CelcomDigi’s Head of Brand and Marketing Services, highlighted the company’s involvement. She stated that for CelcomDigi, pickleball serves as a catalyst for community building and creating new opportunities. She expressed excitement about supporting the World Pickleball Championship as the title sponsor, particularly in championing young Malaysian talents aiming for the global stage.
The tournament is fully integrated with Pickleball Global, touted as the world’s largest digital tournament platform. This integration allows players’ performances at the Grand Slam to directly contribute to a unified international leaderboard through a multi-tiered ranking system, marking this as the first Malaysian event to feed into global rankings.
The Grand Slam is set to feature prominent international athletes, including Vanshik Kapadia (India), the reigning WPC Asia Treble Champion, and Anna Clarice Patrimonio (Philippines), the defending Women’s Singles Champion. Competitors from the United States, Australia, China, Japan, Vietnam, and Poland will also participate, alongside rising Malaysian stars such as Colin Wong, Razlan Rawi, and Sharneem “Neem” Reyes. Neem, a 26-year-old former tennis player now based in the U.S., shared her anticipation, stating that competing in the WPC would be an amazing opportunity to test herself against top players while reconnecting with the local pickleball community.
The CelcomDigi WPC Asia Grand Slam 2025 introduces several notable “firsts” for the region:
- Asia’s Largest Pickleball Tournament: With 1,500 player participants from 20 nations, the event is projected to generate an economic tourism impact of RM13 million.
- Malaysia’s First Rooftop Racket Sport Tournament: Hosted at The Pickle Grounds, a custom-built rooftop court at One World Hotel.
- Asia’s First Pickleball Industry Summit: A two-day conference designed to gather leaders, investors, and innovators within the pickleball sector.
- Malaysia’s First Pickleball Boulevard: An immersive festival featuring social courts, brand showcases, wellness booths, and a Malaysian food & craft bazaar, aiming to engage the broader public.
The tournament is officially sanctioned by the World Pickleball Federation (WPF), the International Pickleball Federation (IPF), and the Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA). It also receives full endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, aligning with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Key partners supporting the event include CelcomDigi (Title Partner), Astro Radio, Astro Arena, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and global pickleball brands such as Joola, Franklin, Facolos, and NOX.
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Caryn Yap, Managing Director of WPC Malaysia, concluded by emphasizing the transformative potential of the event. She stated, “This is more than just a tournament, it’s a turning point for pickleball in Asia. We’re not just hosting an event; we’re helping define the future of the sport, one that is global, inclusive, and deeply community-driven.”
For ticketing and event information, interested individuals can visit https://pickleball.global/compete/wpc-asia-grand-slam-2025 or the official WPC website.
