Malaysia gears up for a significant milestone as the country gears up for 2026 Pickleball Community Cup, scheduled for January 24 at Grand Rally, Shah Alam.

The inaugural edition is being billed as a large scale celebration of grassroots participation, community engagement, and inclusive competition.

The Community Cup is being jointly organised by Pickle NO-CAP! Club, Abuden Pickleball Club, and My Pickleball Time, in what is described as a rare collaboration between three of the Klang Valley's most active pickleball communities.

 
The three organisers represent over 6,000 players and have hosted more than 500 games across the region. Their combined reach and experience have made them key contributors to Malaysia's fast-growing pickleball ecosystem, particularly at the recreational and social levels.

Bridging the gap

Unlike many existing tournaments in Malaysia, which typically cater to intermediate and advanced players, the Community Cup has been deliberately designed to address a notable gap in the local competitive landscape. The event focuses exclusively on Novice and Advanced Novice players, offering social players a structured and accessible entry point into competitive pickleball.

"Most pickleball players in Malaysia are social players," the organisers said. "They play within their own communities, they're passionate about the sport, and they've been waiting for an event like this. The Community Cup is about celebrating those players and bringing everyone together under one roof."

Competitive structure and prize pool

The tournament will feature two primary competitive divisions: Novice (DUPR 2.75) and Advanced Novice (DUPR 3.2). These categories are specifically tailored for players who are new to tournament environments but keen to test themselves beyond casual play. While inclusivity and enjoyment remain central to the event's philosophy, the Community Cup also offers substantial incentives, with a total prize pool exceeding $20000 comprising cash prizes and sponsored goodies.

 
Organisers have emphasised that the competition is designed to be welcoming rather than high-pressure, with the aim of encouraging first-time competitors to remain engaged in organised pickleball beyond the event.

In addition to competitive matches, the event will feature a carnival-style atmosphere, with community interaction areas, social play spaces and an active spectator environment throughout the day. Organisers hope to establish the Community Cup as Malaysia's first and largest community-focused pickleball event, setting a new benchmark for how grassroots tournaments are structured, supported and celebrated nationwide.