Malaysia has been selected as the permanent home of the Association of Pickleball Players’ (APP) Asia headquarters, marking a significant step in the organisation’s expansion across the region.

The announcement coincides with the upcoming Leapmotor APP Penang Open 2026, which will take place from 22 to 26 July at Pickle By The Sea, Gurney Drive, Penang. The tournament will serve as one of the first major events under the newly established APP Asia Tour.

Alongside professional competition, the event will feature a range of lifestyle and community-focused experiences, including hospitality areas, interactive fan zones and activities designed for players of all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has been named title sponsor of the tournament. The Penang tournament also marks the official launch of the APP Asia Tour, a regional circuit created in response to the rapid growth of pickleball across Asia.

Following the Penang event, the tour will continue with stops in China, Chinese Taipei, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and India throughout the remainder of 2026.

Equipment brand Selkirk will also play a role in the tour’s regional development, expanding its presence in Malaysia through the introduction of the Selkirk Academy. The initiative aims to support player development by offering coaching programmes, training clinics and grassroots opportunities for players across different levels.

With Malaysia serving as its regional headquarters, the APP is positioning the country as a key hub for pickleball in Asia, supporting both the sport’s competitive calendar and its growing recreational community as participation continues to rise across the region.