Padel’s growing popularity in Malaysia is shifting the focus from individual competition to the communities building the sport. The Volvo Padel Open 2026, returning for its third edition this October, puts that grassroots momentum at the centre of the tournament, bringing together eight local clubs for three days of competition in Kuala Lumpur.
Taking place from 23 to 25 October at Joy Division Padel and Joy Division Padel 2, the tournament aims to attract more than 600 players. Its community-led format marks a departure from a conventional open competition, with participating clubs nominating players to represent their respective groups in a contest for the community title. The prize pool reaches RM115,000.
The eight participating communities are All’Bout Padel, Baby Buaya Posse, Jerung Padel Club, Kelab Padel Pop x ABBT, Padé x LGK, Padel Hood, Padel Pushers x APC, and Wolfpack Padel. Each will nominate a roster of 40 players, with participants competing across five skill tiers in the men’s and women’s divisions, from Low Bronze to Gold. Bronze players qualify through community play-in rounds, while Silver and Gold participants register through their clubs.
All To Play For
For Volvo Car Malaysia, the tournament is also a continuation of its involvement in the sport since 2023. Patricia Yaw, the company’s Marketing Operations and Public Relations Director, said the event’s community focus reflects the role local players have played in padel’s development. The company was also encouraged by the story of an athlete whose journey in the sport began at an earlier edition of the Volvo Padel Open.
The tournament comes as Malaysian padel gains greater international recognition. The country’s historic silver medal at the Asian Games in Nagoya has brought fresh attention to the sport, while highlighting the need to develop the next generation of players. Shafique Iqbal, president of the Selangor Padel Association, which sanctions the tournament, said competitions at different skill levels provide players with valuable opportunities to gain experience.
Beyond the matches, the event brings together partners from across sport and lifestyle, including mobile network provider redONE, Spanish padel brand Tactical Padel, skincare brand SKINTIFIC and NESCAFÉ GOLD. Their involvement reflects padel’s appeal beyond the court, where sporting competition intersects with social connection and an increasingly active lifestyle.
As padel continues to establish itself in Malaysia, the Volvo Padel Open 2026 offers a snapshot of the communities driving its growth — and the competitive pathways that could help turn recreational enthusiasm into a deeper pool of local talent.
The tournament takes place from 23 to 25 October 2026 at Joy Division Padel and Joy Division Padel 2. More information is available at Volvo Car Malaysia.
