The Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 officially opened on Thursday, ushering in four days of competition featuring teams from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Now in its third edition, the tournament continues to highlight the rapid growth of padel across the region, bringing together top players from participating nations in a celebration of sport, friendship, and regional collaboration.
As host nation and defending champion, the Philippines enters the tournament carrying both momentum and expectations. For Padel Pilipinas president Jeff Cheng, the event represents not only a chance to defend the country’s title but also an opportunity to showcase the progress Filipino athletes have made in the fast-growing sport.
“APPC 2026 marks an important milestone in the continued growth of padel in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Cheng.
“As the defending champions, we enter this tournament with a deep sense of pride and responsibility — not just to compete, but to show the region what Filipino athletes are capable of when given the right support and opportunities.”
The staging of the tournament in Manila has also drawn strong backing from the country’s sports leadership.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino emphasized the significance of hosting a regional event of this scale and highlighted how the Philippines’ rise in the sport serves as an example for other developing padel nations in the region.
“The Philippine Olympic Committee is proud to stand behind Padel Pilipinas as it hosts this prestigious regional competition,” said Tolentino.
“Events like the Asia Pacific Padel Cup are a testament to how far padel has come in the region — and the Philippines, as defending champion, is proof of what is possible when a federation is built on the right foundations. We look forward to seeing the best of Asia-Pacific compete right here in Manila.”
The tournament also aligns with broader efforts to position the Philippines as a destination for international sporting events.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio underscored the role of the Asia Pacific Padel Cup in promoting sports tourism while inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.
“The Philippines is quickly becoming a hub for emerging sports in the region, and hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 is a proud reflection of that momentum, as part of PSC’s sports tourism campaign,” said Gregorio. “This tournament highlights not only the rapid growth of padel in the country, but also the dedication of our athletes who continue to raise the level of competition. We are proud to support this international event as it showcases world-class play, strengthens regional ties, and celebrates the passion and talent of athletes across Asia-Pacific.
“This occasion is a proud moment for our sporting community and reflects our continued commitment to developing sport at all levels. To grow the sport, we want our young athletes to watch world-class padel being played here in our country, so they can be inspired to pursue excellence and see what is possible on the international stage.”
For Padel Pilipinas secretary general Atty. Duane Santos, hosting the competition in Manila marks the realization of a long-term vision for the organization and a statement of the country’s commitment to leading the sport’s development in the region.
“Hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup in Manila for the first time is something we have worked toward since the very beginning,” said Santos.
“This tournament is more than just a competition — it is a statement that the Philippines is ready to lead padel development in the region. We welcome every team, athlete, and fan who has made the journey here, and we are committed to delivering an experience worthy of this championship.”
Athletes, coaches, officials, partners, and members of the padel community gathered for the opening ceremony of the event, which will run from June 25 to 28. Throughout the tournament, teams will compete for the APPC title while showcasing the skill, passion, and sportsmanship that have become hallmarks of the competition.
The Philippines enters this year’s tournament as the defending champion following its triumph in 2025, while teams from across the region aim to challenge for the crown in what is expected to be the most competitive edition of the event to date.
Since its inception, the Asia Pacific Padel Cup has served as a platform for strengthening connections among padel communities throughout the region while contributing to the sport’s continued development and growing visibility.
Competition began immediately after the opening ceremonies, with matches scheduled throughout the tournament before culminating in the championship finals on June 28.
Fans and supporters are invited to witness high-level padel action as teams from across the Asia-Pacific region battle in Manila for the 2026 Asia Pacific Padel Cup title.
