Young picklers eye Asian spotlight in PCL Rising Stars

DAVAO City — The Pickleball Champions League Asia Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament in Davao City officially got underway at Pickletown here Tuesday, marking the first time a youth event of this scale and international significance has been staged for the fast-growing sport in the region.

The Rising Stars U19 Sectional, part of the Kosmas Pickle Fest 2026, is a five-day team-based competition designed to identify and develop the next generation of elite pickleball athletes across Asia.

More than just another tournament, the sectional serves as an official qualifying event. Winning teams earn the opportunity to advance to higher-level Rising Stars competitions and compete against top youth players from across the region. For many local athletes, this represents an unprecedented pathway from grassroots play to the international arena.

The U19 division features mixed-gender teams composed of two male and two female athletes competing under a professional team format that emphasizes skill, strategy, teamwork and sportsmanship. Matches follow the official PCL Asia Rising Stars Rulebook and are officiated according to international standards, ensuring world-class competition on home soil.

The event is organized locally by Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp. (KAVC), headed by Sophia Lapus, in partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc. As the official sectional organizer, the group oversees on-ground operations, athlete engagement and community outreach in close coordination with PCL Asia.

“This partnership ensures that local players benefit from both world-class structure and strong community leadership,” said Mhica Gan, vice president for Marketing and Events of PCL Asia. “By working with trusted local organizations, we are able to grow the sport sustainably while maintaining consistent competitive standards across Asia.”

KAVC Operations Director Richard Bachmann described the event as both competitive and celebratory.

“Nothing beats getting stronger and healthier together. The Kosmas Pickle Fest captures the energy of a fast-growing pickleball community and channels it into meaningful opportunities for our young athletes,” said Bachmann. “Aside from competition, this is a celebration of a growing movement that aims to build universal access to sports, recreation and fitness.”

Also on tap are adult competitions across all skill levels, underscoring pickleball’s inclusive appeal. Categories include Newbie (2.0–2.99), Low Intermediate (3.0–3.49), High Intermediate (3.5–3.99), and Open divisions, with events in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles across 20+, 35+, and 50+ age brackets.

For details, visit https://picklefest.kosmas.com.ph/ or follow the official Pickle Fest 2026 Facebook page and PCL Asia channels.