By Anne Das
Kampar got a lively dose of sport, teamwork and community spirit as PickleBowl Festa 2026 turned public curiosity about pickleball into real participation.
Organised by students from the Bachelor of Communication (Hons) Public Relations programme at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar Campus, the event was held recently at the Sport Complex Grand Kampar.
The festival drew 88 participants across 44 teams, along with over 300 members of the public, creating an energetic day of matches, coaching sessions, mini games, vendor booths and friendly activities for visitors.
Pickleball proved to be a strong crowd puller in Kampar. The tournament featured 17 men’s doubles teams, 10 women’s doubles teams and 17 mixed doubles teams, giving players a chance to compete while introducing newcomers to the sport in a fun and accessible way.
Public response was strong. An on-site sticker evaluation recorded 102 responses, with 101 respondents agreeing that the event helped improve their understanding of pickleball.
A separate post event survey involving 210 respondents also found that many participants and visitors had gained greater awareness and interest in the sport.
The event was officiated by YDH Toh Muda Orang Kaya Kaya Panglima Bukit Gantang Seri Amar DiRaja, Encik Azman bin Dato’ Seri Yeop Junior, Orang Besar Jajahan Kampar.
In his address, Toh Muda Azman praised the programme for bringing people together across age, background and race. He also commended the event’s inclusive format, which allowed the wider public to take part through coaching sessions, friendly matches, booths and mini games.
Representing UTAR President Ir. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, Dr. Lim Tuck Meng said the programme was a meaningful example of students putting classroom learning into action.
He added that the event showed how student led initiatives can benefit the wider community while building confidence, maturity and purpose among the organisers.
William Chang, President of Kampar Bug and Perak Pickleball Association, praised the student organisers for taking the lead in promoting pickleball and healthy living.
He described them as present day youth leaders who were already creating programmes with clear public value.
Project Chairperson Lee Xiang Ting said PickleBowl Festa 2026 was the result of a six-month public relations and community sports campaign.
The student organisers took the campaign directly to the public through street promotions and interviews at Kampar Bazaar, Pei Yuan High School, UTAR Kampar Campus and Pasar Pagi.
From these conversations, they found that many people viewed pickleball as a fun, approachable sport that could connect people across different age groups.
That insight shaped the event into a full community experience, combining competition with activities that welcomed both players and first-time visitors.
With strong turnout, positive feedback and visible enthusiasm from the public, PickleBowl Festa 2026 marked a promising step for pickleball in Kampar.
It also showed what can happen when student energy, community spirit and a fast-growing sport meet on the same court.
