PENANG — Vave Singapore had launched in Penang with the first Pickleball “Playcation” sports event, introducing a new tournament format that combines competitive play with travel, family participation and community engagement.
The Playcation event, organised by Singapore-based Sports League, had taken place on 30 and 31 January 2026 at D’Plazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bayan Baru. The tournament featured 13 regional teams, and marks the debut of Vave in Penang.
The Pickleball Playcation was more than a tournament—it was a fully curated family sports vacation, combining competition, leisure and cultural experiences for amateur athletes. Event experiences include local sightseeing tours around Penang, hotel accommodation and local transport, entry to all playing events, exclusive T-shirt and goodie bags for participants.
By blending competitive play with family-friendly travel and social engagement, the Pickleball Playcation reflects a growing trend in sports tourism across Asia. Organisers believe such events could strengthen Penang’s position as a host city for lifestyle-oriented sports events, while showcasing Malaysia’s readiness to support international pickleball competitions.
The event also coincides with Visit Malaysia 2026, a national tourism campaign to attract international visitors with diverse cultural experiences, focusing on family-friendly travel, sustainability, and showcasing Malaysia’s unique heritage.
“This Playcation approach is designed to appeal to families, amateur athletes, and sports enthusiasts seeking an engaging and memorable travel experience in Penang while enjoying the excitement of competitive pickleball,” said Benny Gan from Vave.
Additionally, the event would also mark the introduction of Vave, a mobile app and tournament management platform developed to support regional competitions, family-oriented sports travel and community events across Asia. The system allowed participants to register for events, track match results, view rankings and maintain match history through a single integrated platform—professionalising amateur sports experiences while keeping them accessible and community-friendly.
Varad Kumaravelu, Founder of Vave added, “The Vave app is designed to serve regional tournaments, multiple sports and family-friendly competitions by managing regional matches across different sports, tracking results and providing a seamless experience for players and families alike. It’s built to make amateur sports more accessible, connected, and fun, no matter the sport.” (Bernama)
