FILA closed out its run as the Official Local Platinum Partner of the PPA Asia 1000 Leapmotor Kuala Lumpur Cup 2026, which ran from 9 to 13 September at The Hood, KL. Over two days, the brand's pickleball clinic put 30 aspiring players through hands-on drills and match play. The sessions also served as the on-court debut of the new FILA Volley Burst 2. FILA built the shoe for intermediate players chasing responsive movement and lasting comfort.
Malaysia's Top-Ranked Pros Run 30 Players Through Two Days of Drills
Athilla Miasara, Malaysia's No. 1 Women's Singles Player, and Syed Uzair, the country's No. 2 men's singles player, led the clinic as UPA Trailblazers. Together they took the group through fast-paced drills and friendly matchplay, built to bring newer players closer to the sport without requiring a competitive background.
According to Athilla Miasara, UPA Trailblazer:
It is great to see players of different levels come together on the same court. Pickleball welcomes everyone, and that's what makes the community so exciting.
FILA Performance Icons Put the Volley Burst 2 Through Its Paces
FILA Performance Icons Amir Ahnaf and Amelia Henderson joined the first clinic session, training alongside the Trailblazers and testing the new shoe under game conditions. Ahnaf said the clinic proved he didn't need to be a professional to enjoy the sport, and that training with the pros helped him pick up new techniques on court.
According to Amir Ahnaf, FILA Performance Icon:
The ENERGIZED EVER-GRIND outsole gave me the grip and stability I needed to move with confidence throughout the game.
Henderson pointed to the sport's social pull and the room it gives her to show personal style on court.
According to Amelia Henderson, FILA Performance Icon:
I love that pickleball gives me a way to express my personality through what I wear. FILA brings that premium sports performance element to the court, while the new Volley Burst 2 keeps me comfortable and supported wherever the game takes me.
The Volley Burst 2 pairs an ENERGIZED EVER-GRIND outsole with a TPU midsole insert for stability. A breathable PU cushioning insole rounds out the build for longer sessions. It launches in blue and green colourways at official FILA stores and online.
The FILA Booth Turns Fans Into Contestants With the Air Rally Challenge
FILA also ran a booth at The Hood across the tournament's full five days. Visitors tested their reflexes in the FILA Air Rally Challenge and got a first look at the Volley Burst 2. Interactive activities gave fans a chance to win an RM50 FILA cash voucher, branded merchandise, or a customisable pickleball-inspired keychain.
Bold Moves, Beautiful Play Heads Toward Hong Kong's Season-Closing Slam
The Kuala Lumpur Cup was the second-to-last stop on the 2026 PPA Asia Tour calendar. The Hong Kong Slam closes out the season from 19 to 25 October with a record US$1.1 million prize purse.
According to Syed Uzair, UPA Trailblazer:
Confidence comes from your skills, but also from how you carry yourself. Bold Moves, Beautiful Play. is about owning your movement, expressing your style and making every move your own.
For the full rundown of FILA's outfitting deal and the clinic's original lineup, read our earlier preview of the partnership.
Track the next wave of tour stops and clinic announcements at events.thepicklebase.com, and catch highlights from The Hood on @thepicklebase on Instagram.