Philippine pickleball standouts Noel Andre Zachary “Nike” Zoleta and Gaby Zoleta are set to take on some of Asia’s best as they compete in Bangkok, Thailand, later this month.

Nike, who won a bronze medal in the boys’ singles event of the 66th Palarong Pambansa last May, will represent the Philippines in the Asia Pickleball Junior Open from 28 to 31 July.

The 11-year-old Metro Lucena Integrated Learning Center standout will team up with Nguyen Chi Kien of Vietnam in the boys’ 12-and-under doubles event.

His father and coach, Karl Zoleta, believes Nike has what it takes to reach the podium despite balancing tennis and pickleball.

“I’m expecting him to win a medal because he’s been training well. Even though he plays tennis every day, it doesn’t affect his pickleball because he’s right-handed in tennis but uses his left hand in pickleball,” Karl told the DAILY TRIBUNE in a phone interview.

“This is actually the first time Nike will play doubles in the 12-under Asian Championships.”

Meanwhile, Gaby will banner the College of Saint Benilde in the Asia Pickleball University Championships from 31 July to 2 August.

She will partner with Elise Geluz in the collegiate women’s doubles event as they seek one of three berths to the College World Championship in Texas from 30 October to 1 November.

Karl expects a tougher challenge this year with stronger international competition joining the field.

“Gaby’s bracket is quite tough. Before, we mostly faced Japanese players, but now American players are joining the competition, so the level is much higher,” Karl said.