Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — The 2026 Asian Heyball Open and Asian Heyball Championship were officially launched on 7 April 2026 at the Sunway Resort Hotel, marking a significant milestone for the continued growth of Heyball across Asia and the global cue sports landscape.
The Opening Ceremony brought together distinguished dignitaries, international officials, athletes, and partners to celebrate the beginning of the first continental event in the 2026 Heyball season.
A Prestigious Opening Ceremony
Held at Forum Room 3, Level 10, Sunway Resort Hotel, the ceremony welcomed players and officials from across the world, followed by sponsors, delegates, and invited guests. Among the distinguished attendees were: Tan Sri Dr. Norza Zakaria, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), President of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), and President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), YB Mordi Bimol, Deputy Minister of Youth & Sports, Malaysia (Guest of Honour), Mr. Qiao Yuanxu, CEO & Founder, JOY Billiards Group, Mr. Ishaun Singh, President, World Pool Association (WPA). The ceremony commenced with a welcome address from Mr. Melvin Chia, President of the Malaysian Snooker & Billiards Federation (MSBF), setting the tone for an event that reflects both sporting excellence and international collaboration.
Vision for the Future of Heyball
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the video “Joy Heyball, Road to the Olympics”, reinforcing the long-term vision of elevating Heyball onto the global sporting stage. This was followed by keynote addresses from leading figures in sport and industry, emphasizing the rapid growth of Heyball and its increasing global footprint.
Official Launch of the Championships
The 2026 Asian Heyball Open & Asian Heyball Championship were formally inaugurated in a joint launch ceremony led by YB Mordi Bimol, Tan Sri Dr. Norza Zakaria, Mr. Qiao Yuanxu, and Mr. Ishaun Singh. The launch symbolized a unified commitment between governing bodies, organizers, and partners to advance the sport across Asia and beyond. As part of the ceremony, a JOY Heyball table was officially presented to the Malaysian Ministry of Youth & Sports for use in athlete development initiatives, further reinforcing the event’s legacy and long-term impact. The evening concluded with the presentation of commemorative souvenirs to VIPs and guests, followed by official photo sessions.
With the ceremony concluded, attention now turns to the competition phase of the event.. The Asian Heyball Open 2026 features: 128 players, 31 countries and regions, and a highly competitive field across men’s and women’s divisions. As the first of six continental events on the global Heyball calendar, the tournament represents a key step in the international season.
A Milestone Event for Cue Sports
The successful launch of the Asian Heyball Open highlights the continued collaboration between the World Pool Association (WPA), the Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS), and key partners in delivering world-class events.. The WPA looks forward to an exciting week of competition as Asia’s top talents compete for the continental title.
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