Pickleball’s rise in Philippines driven by youth, tournaments

Pickleball’s competitive market in the Philippines is set to strengthen significantly within the next three years, as a surge in young talent and an expanded tournament schedule reshapes the sport’s trajectory. Leading Filipino athletes predict a noticeable improvement in skill levels, driven by the influx of younger players entering the scene. Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, a top professional, explained that many of these new athletes will reach peak competitive age within three years, with several already demonstrating strong potential. “In the next three years, some of them will be 16 years old.

A lot of the good players are gonna come out,” she stated. “The level of pickleball generally will get higher,” she added. Leander P. Lazaro, another prominent player, emphasized that the growing number of tournaments, both privately organized and government-supported, will intensify competition. He proposed integrating pickleball into major national events, such as the Palarong Pambansa or the UAAP, to attract more participants.

Lazaro noted that scholarship incentives currently favor tennis, discouraging young athletes from pursuing pickleball. “I feel like that’s the only thing that stops some juniors to (pursue pickleball), that’s why they instead pursue tennis. They just choose tennis to get a scholarship in college,” he said. Upcoming initiatives, including the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour, aim to address these gaps. Backed by Manny Pacquiao, the tour launches in October with its first leg in Angeles City, offering P1 million in prize money, a clear indicator of rising investment in the sport.

The event’s high-profile backing and financial rewards could incentivize more athletes to prioritize pickleball over other sports. Performance optimization extends beyond competition schedules. Lim-Narvasa highlighted the role of nutrition in sustaining energy during matches, crediting Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix for its balanced mix of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. According to the company’s website, the product is formulated to help provide balanced nutrition as part of a healthy diet. She shared that it has helped her meet her nutritional needs and get through a whole day of competition even without eating a meal.