THE Philippine Pickleball Federation has assembled a strong national squad led by Leander Lazaro and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6.
Lazaro and Lim-Narvasa, two of the country’s highest-ranked players, headline the Philippine delegation at the prestigious tournament, which is expected to attract around 4,000 athletes from 80 countries competing across five categories for a total prize pool of $500,000.
The Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF), together with Skechers, is continuing its push to provide Filipino players with opportunities to compete at the international and professional levels as the sport continues to gain momentum in the country.
“We believe that every Filipino athlete deserves the opportunity to dream bigger, compete with confidence, and take their talent to the world stage,” said Skechers Marketing Manager Camille Coronel.
“As Team Philippines takes on the world in Da Nang, Skechers is honored to be part of this historical journey of our Filipino athletes.”
Lazaro leads the Men’s Open team alongside former national lawn tennis players Ruben Gonzales and Johnny Arcilla, as well as Nik Isagan and Patrick Mendoza. Johwee Sam Bernales serves as the reserve.
Lim-Narvasa, meanwhile, headlines the Women’s Open squad with Lauren Mercado, Fatima Amirul, Kelsey Larente and Medelene Saraza. Jessica Agra is the reserve.
PPF President Shery “Shawy” Cu said the national team was selected through the federation’s Tournaments Committee and Selection Committee, which includes a high-performance international coach, a local coach and a panel of respected players.
The selection process considered performances in notable and international tournaments and leagues, participation in federation activities, including open tryouts, individual performance, versatility across different match formats and the ability to partner effectively with teammates.
That last factor is particularly important 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,” Cu said.
The Philippine delegation will also compete in the Seniors, Masters and Juniors divisions.
The Women’s Seniors team is composed of Annie Legaspi, Edshel Pagaiguron, Minerva San Jose and Lilibeth Pulido, while Angelo Enad, Lucob Chan, Rico del Rosario and Gilbert Medina will compete in the Men’s Seniors division.
In the Women’s Masters category, the Philippines will be represented by Conrada Henson, Lea Camarao, Liza Badion and Leah Aragon, while Jose Allan Avila, Carlos Darren Badion, Clinton Lee and Allan Hermano make up the Men’s Masters team.
The Boys’ Juniors roster features 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 compete in the Girls’ Juniors division.
Skechers country manager Suzette Pasustento also highlighted the brand’s support for the development of pickleball from the grassroots level to 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,” Pasustento said.
With a wide pool of athletes competing across multiple divisions, the PPF hopes the Philippine delegation can showcase the country’s growing strength in the sport on the world stage.
“To every Filipino fan and supporter—rally behind this team,” Cu said. “They are fighting for all of us. And to everyone who believes in what Philippine pickleball can become, this is just the beginning.” (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
