By Edwin Rollon
Global footwear brand Skechers is strengthening its commitment to the fast-growing sport of pickleball in the country as it steps in as a major sponsor of the inaugural Philippine Pickleball Amateur Nationals set from March 28 to 30 at Tela Park Pickleball Center.
Organizers formally announced the partnership during a recent media conference at the Green Meadow Clubhouse, where they also unveiled key initiatives for the sport. These include the launch of the Philippine Pickleball Participant (PPP) Registry—a centralized national database for players, coaches, and officials—and the implementation of an Official National Ranking System.
Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) president Shery Anne Cu emphasized that, while the sport has seen rapid grassroots growth, the next step is to build a strong, sustainable framework.
“In just a few years, we have seen tremendous organic growth in pickleball, and that’s something we celebrate. But now, it’s time to support that enthusiasm with systems that ensure fairness, credibility, and long-term development,” Cu said.
Behind the scenes, the federation has been laying down standardized systems for tournaments, officiating, and coaching—bringing structure and consistency across all levels of play. The goal is to create an inclusive and well-organized ecosystem for everyone, from beginners to seasoned players.
Skechers, which embraced pickleball early in its local rise, has gone beyond traditional sponsorship. The brand has developed dedicated pickleball footwear engineered specifically for the demands of the sport, while actively supporting key events such as the Street Pickleball exhibition during the Global Pickleball Federation Congress in November 2025 and the first Philippine Pickleball National Championship held in mid-2025.
The company has also signed top local players Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa and Leander Lazaro as official Skechers pickleball athletes—further underscoring its long-term commitment to the sport.
For Skechers Philippines Country Manager Suzette Pasustento, the upcoming Nationals signal a pivotal moment.
“For us, the Nationals mark a turning point for pickleball in the country. It’s inspiring to see Filipinos step onto the court and into a more connected community with Skechers every step of the way,” she said.
The Amateur Nationals will serve as the second ranking tournament contributing to the official national standings—an important milestone in PPF’s long-term development roadmap. The event is expected to draw amateur players from across the country competing under standardized rules focused on safety, fairness, and excellence.
Beyond competition, stakeholders see pickleball as a vehicle for promoting active lifestyles, strengthening communities, and boosting sports tourism and local economies. With structured systems now in place, Filipino players are also beginning to set their sights on regional and international competitions.
The federation continues its groundwork through coordination with organizers, establishment of a national tournament calendar, and structured sanctioning systems, alongside media briefings and planning sessions aligned with its 2026 priorities.
“What we are building is not just tournaments. We are building a credible pathway for athletes, a coordinated environment for organizers, a transparent ranking system, and a sustainable future for the sport in the country,” Cu added.
Recognized by both the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, and as a founding member of the Global Pickleball Federation, the PPF is positioning itself at the forefront of the sport’s rapid expansion.
With collective efforts from the federation, partners, and players, pickleball in the Philippines is evolving from a recreational pastime into a structured national sport. Events like the upcoming Nationals underscore a clear message: the future of Filipino pickleball is not just promising—it is already in motion.
Online registration for the Philippine Pickleball Amateur Nationals remains open.
