SUBANG JAYA — The vibrant world of competitive pickleball recently witnessed a landmark success as the Paramount Cup 2026 officially concluded its action-packed four-day run at the PLAYA Racquet Club @ PARC Subang. Recognized officially as an APP Asia Qualifier, the tournament delivered world-class sporting drama by drawing over 1,000 entries across junior, adult, and senior categories. Showcasing truly global appeal, the championship brought together elite competitors from 18 nations including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, and the Philippines alongside Malaysia’s finest home-grown talents.
International and local contenders put on a stellar display across the Open divisions. Standout performances included India’s Vanshik Kapadia and the United States’ Connie Na Eun Lee capturing the Mixed Doubles Open title, while Kapadia also clinched the Men’s Doubles Open crown alongside compatriot Roman Estareja. In the singles and women’s categories, Patrick Ares Mendoza of the Philippines triumphed as the Men’s Singles Open champion, and Malaysia’s Nursharmeen Shamsuddin teamed up with America’s Jasmine Almaguer to claim the Women’s Doubles Open victory. Beyond elite play, this year’s edition made massive strides in youth development by introducing eight dedicated junior divisions. Drawing 134 young hopefuls across U10, U12, U14, and U16 brackets highlighted by Malaysian rising star Brandon Basas winning the U16 Boys’ Singles the expanded format gave juniors invaluable exposure to professional-grade competition.
The excitement extended far beyond the courts through the inaugural Paramount Cup Festival, which drew over 2,000 attendees, families, and supporters. The festival featured 22 local F&B pop-ups and five complimentary family workshops centered around sustainable crafts and interactive science. Emphasizing sportsmanship and social responsibility, the tournament successfully raised RM10,050 for the SHELTER Home for Children. Powered by a ringgit-for-ringgit initiative where PLAYA and Paramount Property each contributed RM5 per entry, the funds will directly support residential care, educational therapy, and trauma restoration programs for vulnerable children.
Reflecting on the event’s profound impact, Beh Chun Chong, Deputy Group CEO of Paramount Corporation Berhad, noted that the tournament has evolved into a powerful platform for nurturing talent and giving back to society. Supported by prominent sponsors including Nuva, Montigo, LAC, Auto Bavaria, and Franklin, Paramount Cup 2026 successfully united international sportsmanship with meaningful community enrichment. Full match results and highlights remain accessible via Instagram at @theparamountcup.
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