Melvin Cheong Podiums with Kasaca at PPA Hanoi Cup 2026
Sureena Shree ChandrasekarAgainst a field dominated by global brands, Malaysia’s Melvin Cheong proves performance speaks louder with a Kasaca paddle
Standing Out on Asia’s Biggest Stage
The courts at the PPA Hanoi Cup 2026 in Hanoi were stacked with Asia’s top talent—and even more stacked with the world’s biggest paddle brands.
JOOLA. Paddletek. Franklin. Facolos.
But in a field where most players aligned with global giants, one name chose a different path.
Melvin Cheong, official Kasaca Pro Player Ambassador, stepped onto the courts at Green Tây Hồ with a clear statement backing performance over popularity.
The Run to the Podium
Competing in the highly competitive DUPR 3.5+ Men’s Singles category, Melvin battled through a deep international field, facing waves of experienced opponents from across the region.
Match after match, he demonstrated:
- Tactical control under pressure
- Consistency in long rallies
- Confidence in high-stakes moments
His run culminated in a 1st Runner-Up finish, marking a significant achievement not just personally but for Malaysia on the international pickleball stage.
The Paddle That Made the Statement
While many players turned to established global brands, Melvin stepped forward with a Kasaca paddle, a choice that carried both risk and intent.
This was not just about equipment.
It was about belief.
Kasaca, still emerging in the competitive landscape, found its moment through performance rather than marketing. And on one of Asia’s biggest stages, that belief translated into results.
More Than a Podium Finish
Melvin’s result represents more than a silver medal finish. It signals a shift in narrative:
- That Asian players can compete at a higher level internationally
- That emerging brands can perform on par with global names
- That representation matter not just for players, but for the ecosystem around them
In a sport growing as rapidly as pickleball, moments like these define direction.
The Player, The Brand, The Moment
Melvin Cheong’s podium finish at the PPA Hanoi Cup 2026 is not just a milestone it is a statement.
A statement that:
- Performance is earned, not borrowed
- Trust in your tools matters
- And belief, when backed by results, creates impact
Malaysia’s Chapter Begins
As pickleball continues its rise across Asia, this moment stands as an early chapter in Malaysia’s growing presence on the international stage.
For Kasaca, it is validation.
For Melvin, it is momentum.
And for the sport, it is a reminder that the next wave is already here.


