Bragg Pickleball Challenge 2026 Returns Bigger with New 50+ Seniors Category, Celebrating Sports and Wellness Across Generations
SHAH ALAM, 1 September 2026 — Pickleball in Malaysia is no longer just a new recreational sport. It is fast becoming a lifestyle that brings together different generations, communities and increasingly competitive players.
That was clearly demonstrated at the Bragg Pickleball Challenge 2026, held at Pickleball Playground, Shah Alam, marking the second edition of the tournament organised by Matahari Sdn Bhd, official Malaysian distributor of Bragg, together with BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy, retail pharmacy brands of BIG CARING Group.
Following the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s tournament returned on a bigger scale, bringing together more than 100 novice teams while introducing a new Senior Doubles 50+ category — a special category created in response to the growing number of Malaysians aged 50 and above taking up pickleball.
Pickleball: No Longer Just a Young Person’s Game
One of the highlights of this year’s tournament was the introduction of the Senior Doubles 50+ category.
Matahari Sdn Bhd, Sole Distributor of Bragg products in Malaysia believes the growing participation of older Malaysians in pickleball reflects a wider shift towards active and healthier lifestyles.
“One of the things that makes pickleball so special is that it brings people of different ages together. We are seeing more seniors picking up the paddle, staying active and enjoying themselves with friends and family,” said Tux Wuan, Director of Matahari Sdn Bhd.
“At Matahari, we believe healthy living is not only about what we eat and drink. It is also about movement, happiness, relationships and community. Pickleball brings all of these together.”
The social nature of pickleball has also made it particularly appealing to families, friends and colleagues, turning the sport into a platform for connection as much as competition.
KOCs and KOLs Bring Pickleball to a Wider Audience
Adding further excitement to the event was the participation and presence of popular Malaysian KOCs and KOLs, including Grace Lim, Xin Lim, Sammi Yap and Chong Yi Ling.
Their involvement helped bring the sport beyond the traditional pickleball community and introduced it to a wider audience through social media and lifestyle content.
The event demonstrated how pickleball is increasingly becoming part of Malaysia’s wider wellness, lifestyle and social culture — rather than simply another competitive sport.
The 360° Camera Became an Unexpected Hit
The tournament also featured a 360° camera experience and photobooth, which quickly became one of the crowd’s favourite attractions.
Players, supporters, sponsors and guests took the opportunity to capture creative videos and photographs throughout the day, adding a playful and highly shareable element to the tournament.
For many participants, the event was as much about creating memories and meeting people as it was about winning matches.
A Partnership Built Around Healthy Living
The Bragg Pickleball Challenge is also a reflection of the shared commitment between Matahari Sdn Bhd, BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy to encourage healthier lifestyles.
BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy returned as key partners for the second edition, supporting an event that connects wellness, physical activity, community and everyday healthy living.
“We are very grateful to have a partner like BIG Pharmacy and CARiNG Pharmacy that share our belief in promoting a healthier lifestyle,” said Tux Wuan.
“For us, this is more than a sponsorship. We share the same direction, and we hope to continue building initiatives that encourage Malaysians to make healthier choices while enjoying life.”
“We believe community pharmacies have an important role to play in making health and wellness part of everyday life. Events like the BRAGG Pickleball Challenge allow us to bring health conversations and accessible wellness touchpoints beyond our stores and into the communities. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages Malaysians of different ages to stay active, connect with others and take a more proactive approach to their wellbeing,” said Wong Siew Lai, Chief Marketing Officer of BIG CARING Group.
From Real Food to Real Life
Established in 2016, Matahari Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian distributor specialising in organic and natural products and is the official distributor of Bragg in Malaysia. Bragg, a brand with more than 100 years of heritage in apple cider vinegar, has become synonymous with natural wellness and apple cider vinegar globally.
Matahari’s philosophy is reflected in its tagline: “Real Food for Real People.” The company believes that healthier living goes beyond products — it is about building awareness, making better choices and creating positive habits that people can sustain in everyday life.
The Bragg Pickleball Challenge brings that philosophy to life by combining food, wellness, movement, friendship and community.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
Matahari Sdn Bhd would like to express its sincere appreciation to all sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the Bragg Pickleball Challenge 2026: BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy, Pickle Kopitiam, Pickleball Playground, Kintry, HARVIST, UNISOY, Readycare, Bob’s Red Mill, Mount Hagen, SUNBLAST, Franklin Malaysia, The Olive Tree Natural Skincare, Origin Bulk Store, Mr Bean Malaysia, Nissin, Bundaberg, Ola Bola — thank you for being part of this journey.
The success of the second edition would not have been possible without the dedication of the organising team, partners, sponsors, players and the wider pickleball community.
As pickleball continues to grow across Malaysia, the Bragg Pickleball Challenge hopes to become more than an annual tournament — but a platform that encourages Malaysians of all ages to move more, connect more and live healthier lives together.