A strong and fighting team will represent the country in the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.
Leander Lazaro and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, two of the country's best athletes, will lead the Philippine team in the prestigious competition, which is expected to draw roughly 4,000 athletes from 80 countries competing in five categories for a $500,000 prize pool.
Because they both want to improve Philippine pickleball and give Filipino players more opportunities, the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and Skechers continue to fund initiatives that give athletes a stage on which to compete, interact, and grow.
The growing popularity of pickleball and PPF's efforts to improve the path for Filipino athletes to compete at the professional and international levels serve as examples of this commitment as Team Philippines prepares to compete at the Pickleball World Cup.
"We believe that every Filipino athlete deserves the opportunity to dream bigger, compete with confidence, and take their talent to the world stage—that's why we're committed to giving athletes the comfort and support they need to go further, and show the world what they're made of. As Team Philippines takes on the world in Da Nang, Skechers is honored to be part of this historical journey of our Filipino athletes." ~Camille Coronel, Skechers Marketing Manager
Nik Isagan, Patrick Mendoza, Johnny Arcilla, and Ruben Gonzales—all former members of the national lawn tennis team—join Lazaro in the Men's Open division. A reserve is Johwee Sam Bernales.
In the Women's Open division, Lim-Narvasa will compete alongside Lauren Mercado, Fatima Amirul, Kelsey Larente, and Medelene Saraza, with Jessica Agra acting as a reserve.
The selection process was carried out by the federation's Tournaments Committee and the Selection Committee, which consists of a panel of respectable players, a local coach, and a high-performance international coach, according to PPF President Shery (Shawy) Cu.
The panel's decision was based on the athletes' performance in elite, international competitions and leagues as well as their involvement in Federation events like open tryouts.
Cu claims that players were selected based on their ability to work well as a team, their ability to adapt to different match formats, and their individual performance—all of which are critical in a rotating team format.
“Pickleball has established its strong growth in the Philippines, and Team Philippines going to Da Nang is a significant show of competitiveness of our athletes. To every Filipino fan and supporter—rally behind this team. They are fighting for all of us. And to everyone who believes in what Philippine pickleball can become, this is just the beginning.” ~Shery (Shawy) Cu, PPF President
This commitment was shared by Skechers Country Manager Suzette Pasustento, who emphasized the company's continued support for initiatives that empower athletes, expand player opportunities, and cultivate a lively pickleball community—from grassroots participation to national and international competition.
“The Philippines is already one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in Asia, and the world is watching. Soon we will also see major tournaments taking place here in the Philippines.” ~Suzette Pasustento, Skechers Country Manager
The Philippine delegation will also see action across the Seniors, Masters, and Juniors categories. Rounding up the national roster are Annie Legaspi, Edshel Pagaiguron, Minerva San Jose, and Lilibeth Pulido in the Women’s Seniors division; Angelo Enad, Lucob Chan, Rico del Rosario, and Gilbert Medina in the Men’s Seniors division.
Conrada Henson, Lea Camarao, Liza Badion, and Leah Aragon in the Women’s Masters division; Jose Allan Avila, Carlos Darren Badion, Clinton Lee and Allan Hermano in the Men’s Masters division.
In the Boys’ Juniors division, representing the country are Mackonner Dy, Matt Daniel Navarro, Alva Bual, and Randy Lee Capoquian while Syesha Bree Rivera, Rain Isabelle Astano, Rhenna May Tavera, and Adreanna Pastor will vie in the Girls’ Juniors division.

























































