By Edwin Rollon
Another major milestone is set to unfold for Philippine sports — this time shining the spotlight on sepak takraw.
The Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association, Inc. (PSAI), in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), will host the maiden 19-Under Asian Championships of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) from November 18 to 25.
More than 700 athletes from 12 participating countries are expected to compete across eight divisions in what organizers describe as a historic gathering that will place the Philippines at the center of the global sepak takraw stage.
PSC Chairman Patrick 'Paro' Gregorio and Commissioner Walter Torres have fully supported the event, providing funds for the renovation of the iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum. This renovation will upgrade the coliseum into a modern multi-sport venue in time for the tournament.
“Let’s do it,” said Gregorio. “We have at least 10,000 Filipinos actively playing sepak takraw. That’s a strong base. That’s why we’re opening a dedicated training center for arnis and sepak takraw in Bukidnon. The equipment is ready, and the athletes can start using the facilities.”
Gregorio, who has overseen several international hosting initiatives since assuming the PSC chairmanship last July — including events in volleyball, badminton, futsal, golf, tennis, and karate — emphasized that the youth championships align with the government’s broader sports tourism vision.
“This allows us to continue developing the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” he said. “That’s what sports tourism is all about — transforming Manila into a world-class sporting destination while creating opportunities for our athletes and making Filipinos proud.”
Torres, commissioner-in-charge of sepak takraw, echoed Gregorio’s optimism.
“This is a very exciting event for our country,” Torres said. “Hosting the first-ever Asian Under-19 Championships shows that the Philippines is ready to lead in sepak takraw. It also inspires our young athletes because they will compete against the best in Asia right here at home.”
PSAI President Karen Claire Tanchanco-Caballero thanked ASTAF for granting the Philippines the hosting rights, observing that regional powerhouses Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and India will likely send strong teams.
“We’re very thankful to ASTAF and to the PSC, especially Chairman Gregorio, for the trust and support,” said Tanchanco-Caballero. “Hosting this event will not only boost the sport but also give our young athletes the rare opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a home crowd.”
“We will make sure to form a tough and competitive team for this tournament,” she added. “This is our chance to prove that the Philippines can compete at the highest level in Asia.”
To strengthen the national youth squad, Tanchanco-Caballero revealed plans to hire two foreign coaches and conduct a comprehensive selection process through a series of regional tournaments and national championships.
“Although we already have a list of promising athletes from the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy, we will still go through a strict selection process,” she explained. “Those who make the final cut will undergo intensive training camps alongside our senior teams in Bukidnon. We want them exposed early to a high-performance environment.”
ASTAF Deputy Secretary General and International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) Deputy President Muhammad Fariq Abdul Halim also welcomed the country’s preparations, saying the Philippines’ commitment to upgrading facilities and organizing grassroots programs reflects its serious intent to grow the sport in the region.
With strong government backing, upgraded facilities, and a renewed grassroots push, the Philippines is not only preparing to host a historic championship — it is positioning itself as a rising force in Asian sepak takraw.
“That’s why this early and with great pride I will say that the Philippines is in the top 5 in sepak takraw, With renewed hope and enthusiasm on the new athletes and teams’ database system, we expect Filipino athletes to rise in the ranking,” said Halim.
