DAVAO CITY — The Pickleball Champions League (PCL) 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 officiated according to international standards, ensuring world-class competition on home soil.

The event is organized locally by Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp., 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,” Mhica Gan, vice president for Marketing and Events of PCL Asia, said.