PETALING JAYA, 30 May 2026 – On a warm Saturday afternoon at Pickle Nation, the familiar sound of pickleball paddles and lively chatter filled the courts. But beyond the exciting rallies and friendly competition, something even more special was happening.
The inaugural OP Pickleballers 4 Penjuru Tournament brought together Old Puteras from four different generations of R7, R8, R9 and R12, for an afternoon of sport, friendship and good company.
Held from 2.00pm to 6.00pm, the tournament was about much more than finding out which batch would come out on top. It was a chance to celebrate the lasting friendships built through the Royal Military College experience and a reminder that no matter how many years separate the batches, the brotherhood remains strong.
The event was organised by OP Upiq and OP Acun (R8), whose energy and dedication helped turn a simple sporting get-together into a memorable day that many hope will become a yearly tradition.
Throughout the afternoon, players competed hard but always in good spirits, showing the sportsmanship and camaraderie that have long been part of the Old Putera community. There was plenty of laughter, old friends catching up, and new friendships forming across generations.
A big thank you also goes to the batch representatives who helped rally their teams and make the event possible:
OP Dr Raja Shaharul (R7)
OP Upiq (R8)
OP Aca (R9)
OP Navin (R12)
With players ranging from experienced competitors to relative newcomers, everyone had a chance to get involved. The result was a fun and welcoming atmosphere that balanced healthy competition with encouragement and support.
As the day went on, several standout performances caught everyone’s attention.
The Doubles Top Tier Cup was won by the strong R7 pairing of Raja Arif Shah and Dr Raja Shaharul. Calm, consistent and tactically sharp, they worked their way through a tough field to claim the top prize. The Tier 1 final against Bert and Neng was a real crowd-pleaser and showcased some outstanding pickleball. Credit must also go to the earlier semifinal between Bert and Neng and Upiq and Nizam, which went the distance over three sets and was just as entertaining to watch.
Meanwhile, Mark Oi and Mizi Sapero from R9 took home the Doubles Tier 2 Plate, putting together a series of spirited performances to earn their title.
In the overall standings, the competition was incredibly close, with R8 and R12 finishing as Joint Champions (Form 5 and their Form 1), highlighting the depth of talent and team spirit shown by both batches throughout the day.
But perhaps the most memorable part of the event had nothing to do with the scores.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the wives and families who came along and supported the tournament. Their presence helped create the warm, welcoming atmosphere that made the day feel less like a competition and more like a family gathering.
Special mention goes to Dr Azura and Jennifer, whose enthusiasm, encouragement and support throughout the afternoon added so much to the event. Their positive energy did not go unnoticed and served as a reminder that behind every successful sporting community is a strong network of family members who play an important role too.
As the final matches wrapped up and the traditional group photos were taken, many participants reflected on a prayer that generations of Royal Military College boys have carried with them long after leaving school.
The Royal Military College Sportsman’s Prayer reads:
“Oh God, please help me to win, for I always want to win. But if in Thy inscrutable wisdom, Thou willest me not to win, then make me a good loser.
For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He writes not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.”
Those words felt especially fitting on the day.
While trophies were handed out and champions celebrated, the real success of the tournament was never just about medals or rankings. It was seen in the laughter between old friends, the encouragement shared among players, the respect shown on court and the commitment to keeping the Old Putera bond alive across generations.
The inaugural OP Pickleballers 4 Penjuru Tournament showed that while every sporting event has winners and losers, the biggest win is strengthening friendships, building community and creating memories that last long after the final point.
As participants left Pickle Nation at the end of the day, one feeling seemed to be shared by everyone: this was more than just a tournament.
It was a reunion, a celebration and a reminder that the Old Putera spirit is still going strong both on and off the court.
Report by OP Nyox (R12) and
OPA Exco 2025/2026 Honorary Treasurer
