Third edition of Asia Pacific Padel Cup officially starts in Taguig

The Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) 2026 officially opened today in Manila, marking the start of four days of competition featuring teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Now in its third edition, the tournament continues to showcase the rapid growth of padel throughout the region, bringing together top players from participating countries in a celebration of sport, friendship, and regional collaboration.

"APPC 2026 marks an important milestone in the continued growth of padel in the Asia-Pacific region," said Jeff Cheng, President of Padel Pilipinas. "As the defending champions, we enter this tournament with a deep sense of pride and responsibility — not just to compete, but to show the region what Filipino athletes are capable of when given the right support and opportunities."

"The Philippine Olympic Committee is proud to stand behind Padel Pilipinas as it hosts this prestigious regional competition," said Bambol Tolentino, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee. "Events like the Asia Pacific Padel Cup are a testament to how far padel has come in the region — and the Philippines, as defending champion, is proof of what is possible when a federation is built on the right foundations. We look forward to seeing the best of Asia-Pacific compete right here in Manila."

"The Philippines is quickly becoming a hub for emerging sports in the region, and hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 is a proud reflection of that momentum, as part of PSC's sports tourism campaign," said Pato Gregorio, Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission. "This tournament highlights not only the rapid growth of padel in the country, but also the dedication of our athletes who continue to raise the level of competition. We are proud to support this international event as it showcases world-class play, strengthens regional ties, and celebrates the passion and talent of athletes across Asia-Pacific. This occasion is a proud moment for our sporting community and reflects our continued commitment to developing sport at all levels. To grow the sport, we want our young athletes to watch world-class padel being played here in our country, so they can be inspired to pursue excellence and see what is possible on the international stage."

"Hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup for the first time in Manila is something we have worked toward since the very beginning," said Atty. Duane Santos, Secretary General of Padel Pilipinas. "This tournament is more than just a competition — it is a statement that the Philippines is ready to lead padel development in the region. We welcome every team, every athlete, and every fan who has made the journey here, and we are committed to delivering an experience worthy of this championship."

Athletes, coaches, officials, partners, and members of the padel community gathered for the opening of the event, which will run from June 25 to 28. Throughout the tournament, teams will compete for the APPC title while demonstrating the skill, passion, and sportsmanship that have become hallmarks of the competition.

The Philippines enters this year's tournament as the defending champion following its victory in 2025, while teams from across the region look to challenge for the title in what is expected to be the most competitive edition of the event to date.

Since its inception, the Asia Pacific Padel Cup has served as a platform for strengthening connections between padel communities across the region while contributing to the sport's continued development and visibility.

Competition begins immediately following the opening ceremonies, with matches taking place throughout the week and culminating in the championship finals on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Fans and supporters are invited to witness high-level padel action as teams from across the Asia-Pacific region compete in Manila for the 2026 Asia Pacific Padel Cup title.

Philippines to host third edition of the Asia-Pacific Padel Cup

The Philippines in the APPC 2025

Continental padel action is set to come to the Philippines, with the third edition of The Asia-Pacific Padel Cup taking place on June 25-28 at Play Padel McKinley in Taguig.

Hosted by Padel Pilipinas, the recognized national sports association for padel in the country, the APPC will bring together ten teams from seven countries, as they compete both in Professional and Amateur levels.

Unlike conventional padel competitions, whether in the Asia-Pacific Padel Tour or elsewhere, the APPC runs on collective results from all three categories: male, female, and mixed. All matches will have corresponding points that will register in the overall team standings, turning each rally into something that matters beyond the ongoing scoreboard.

The Philippines is the defending champion of the competition, emerging as winners last year in Kuala Lumpur. To mount a successful title defense this year, Padel Pilipinas will need to fend off four teams in both Professional and Amateur levels:

Professional Category
●    Padel Society Korea (South Korea)
●    PadThai Padel Thailand Team (Thailand)
●    Ace Padel India Team (India)
●    Prescott Development Team (Pakistan)

Amateur Category
●    göpadel (Chinese-Taipei)
●    Wolves Korea (South Korea)
●    The Racquet Garden Brunei Padel Team (Brunei)
●    Prescott Development Team (Pakistan)

In the case of Chinese-Taipei and Brunei, both countries are making their APPC debut, highlighting the continued rapid growth of padel across Asia. Meanwhile, both South Korea and Pakistan make their return trips to the competition after debuting last year.

Action will take place at the Taguig facility of Play Padel, which is the biggest padel facility in the country, located at Chateau Road corner Lombard Street in McKinley West. For those who are unable to watch in person, the matches will be streamed, with details to be confirmed on the APPC's official social media channels.

Senate praises Padel Pilipinas

c/o the office of Senator Pia Cayetano

Wednesday was a special day for the padel community in the Philippines, as the achievements of Padel Pilipinas was recognized by the government.

At its Session Hall, the Senate recognized and commended Padel Pilipinas following its landmark victory at the 2025 Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) in Selangor, Malaysia. The national team swept through the tournament with an impressive record, defeating powerhouse teams from Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, and India, to emerge as champions of the region.

Padel Pilipinas founder and Senator Pia Cayetano delivered an omnibus sponsorship speech commending the athletes and coaches, specifically recognizing standout players Joanna Tao Yee Tan and Johnny Arcilla, who were named as the Female and Male Most Valuable Players of the competition.

In addition, the Senate also adopted resolutions congratulating Tan and LA Cañizares for their Mixed Pro title at the APPT Kuala Lumpur Open, as well as Tan for her Pro Female championship at the APPT Bali Open.

“I have seen our team grow from a hopeful beginning to a glorious triumph, and to witness their victory, to see our flag raised on the international stage, is to see that vision fulfilled,” Cayetano said. “Our athletes have carried our flag with pride, inspired the next generation, and made history for Philippine sports.”

Philippines set for Asia Pacific Padel Cup participation

Pia Cayetano, Atty. Jacqueline Gan, Bryan Casao

The Philippines has a national team for padel.

Padel Pilipinas, the organization representing the sport, unveiled its pool on Friday afternoon at Play Padel located at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong.

Armed with recognition from both the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, Padel Pilipinas is set to participate in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Padel Cup in Bali, Indonesia this coming September 19-22.

Overseeing the presentation are President and Founder Pia Cayetano, Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Gan, and head coach Bryan Casao.

In making the announcement, Atty. Gan shares, "We're very proud, as the sole National Sports Association recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission, to send our official national team to this prestigious international competition, where nations compete against nations–not just individuals or organizations."

Leading the men's side is team captain LA Cañizares. Alongside him are Qoqo Allian, Mac Gulfo, Duane and Derrick Santos, and Joseph Serra.

The Senator herself is part of the women's side, alongside Tao Yee Tan, Princess Jean Naquila, and Yam Garsin. She says, "I challenge everyone who's a part of the team to raise the bar because we are accountable to the Filipino people. I try to inculcate in our players that they must always conduct themselves in a manner deserving to bear the Filipino flag."

Also part of the pool are a few notable tennis standouts: Johnny Arcilla, Niño Alcantara, and Marian Capadocia.

A multiple-time champion, Serra is currently the top-ranked padel player in the country and says about his inclusion, "Being part of Team Padel Pilipinas has elevated my game to the next level. It's not about individual wins anymore; it's about achieving success for the team. We're a group of exceptional players, both on and off the court."

Casao shares about the team's preparations for the APPC, "We've been training for two months now. I'm excited for the team, and I can say that our team is ready." The double-certified padel coach has tapped Jaric Lavelle to help with strength and conditioning.

Aside from the Philippines, padel players from Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and hosts Indonesia are set to tangle in the first-ever regional padel competition of its kind in the continent.

Team members have expressed their excitement and readiness to participate in this upcoming event.

Cañizares says, "Alam naman natin na ang dream ng bawat athlete is to represent the country and to be part of the National Team. I’m very honored that Padel Pilipinas chose me to be their player and Team Captain in this APPC Nations Cup tournament in Bali. I just wanna say that I’m very proud and very excited to lead the team."

Naquila adds, "Since this is my first time joining an international tournament, I’m very excited, siyempre makakalaban kami ng nations, we’re gonna represent our country, and I’m very confident naman po na may laban tayo."

Aside from the unveiling, Padel Pilipinas also shared the successes of the recently-concluded Padel Pilipinas Open. Considered as the biggest padel tournament in the country, with 234 matches being played across eight days of action, with over 170 players from 108 teams participating.

Atty. Gan says that the organization is "very glad, humbled, and proud," about the turnout.

As for competitions for the rest of the year, Padel Pilipinas will hold the Play Padel Open next month, the final event of the Philippine Islands Padel Tour, with the top player from the tour set to participate in the Padel Masters in November.

Padel Pilipinas hosts Baler tourney

Padel Pilipinas

With the long weekend, Padel Pilipinas revealed that they are hosting their inaugural padel tournament at Baler.

Called the Baler National Padel Open Tournament, it is in conjunction with Padel Pilipinas and Play Padel Philippines, with the assistance of a couple of LGUs with connections to the province in Senator Sonny Angara and Congressman Rommel Angara.

The BNPOT will have three categories: the Men's and Women's Open, and Mixed Intermediate, with sixteen teams set to participate.

Among the notable participants in the tournament is Padel Pilipinas president Senator Pia Cayetano, as well as top Japanese padel player Shungo Kusakabe.

Under the Senator's leadership, Padel Pilipinas has been resolute in promoting the sport across Luzon, setting up padel clinics across the island.

POC recognizes Padel Pilipinas

Padel Pilipinas President Pia Cayetano with coach Bryan Casao

Earlier this week, the Philippine Olympic Committee gave its blessing on Padel Pilipinas as the official padel federation in the Philippines.

In a letter addressed to the International Padel Federation, POC president Bambol Tolentino writes, "Padel Pilipinas has been actively conducting clinics and trainings all over the country. Likewise, the construction of public courts to ensure accessibility to all are underway. I am confident that through the consistent efforts and unwavering dedication of Padel Pilipinas, padel will continue to grow in our country, one locality at a time."

In securing the recognition, Padel Pilipinas Secretary-General Duane Santos shares, "We are happy to receive the trust and support of the POC, the governing body of all National Sports Associations (NSAs) in the Philippines."

He adds, "Under Senator Pia Cayetano's leadership and our team of Filipino coaches, we are committed to prioritizing a grassroots padel program in the country. We will continue to bring the sport closer to more Filipinos."

Santos highlights their talent identification program as a means of finding outstanding players. He notes, "Padel Pilipinas will nurture athletes’ potential and field the very best Filipino athletes in international competitions. The federation will also continue to forge international partnerships to learn from them and to elevate the game of padel in the country. We truly believe that anyone can play padel - from a beginner with zero experience to a pro athlete who wants to compete internationally."

Cayetano, who serves as the president of the organization, says, "I’ve always been a believer that sports is the great equalizer. Through sports, deserving kids can get a good education through scholarships. They get to meet, train with and compete against equally determined and talented individuals outside of their schools and hometowns. Sometimes they’ll win, sometimes they’ll lose. But as long as they get up, they’ll keep getting better. This builds character. It's part of nation-building."

In building up the sport further, Padel Pilipinas has taken the route of having partnerships with local government units to get more people to take up padel.

Bryan Casao, who has a certification from Spain-based PadelMBA, specifically notes that the group has visited Tarlac, Pampanga, Laguna, Batangas, Bataan, and Aurora.