The Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) is set to stage the 2026 Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge from 28 to 30 August at Home Court, Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

Now in its fourth year, the tournament has steadily grown into one of the country’s premier competitions for student-athletes, featuring both collegiate and high school divisions, and continues to provide aspiring paddlers with a competitive platform before they move on to the next level.

Over the years, the tournament has attracted participation from schools competing in various collegiate tournaments as well as the National Academy of Sports, further establishing itself as one of the country’s leading grassroots table tennis competitions.

PTTF president Ting Ledesma said the tournament’s consistent growth has turned it into an event that schools and athletes now look forward to every year.

“We’re very proud of how the Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge has grown over the past four years,” Ledesma said. “What started as an opportunity to bring together the country’s best student-athletes has now become an annual tradition on the Philippine table tennis calendar.”

“We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Home Court for its unwavering support through the years. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping us sustain and elevate this tournament for our young athletes.”

Last year’s edition saw University of Santo Tomas emerge as champion after collecting seven gold medals, highlighted by the collegiate men’s singles title of Eljey Tormis and the high school boys’ singles crown of Jebb Datahan.

For PTTF secretary-general Pong Ducanes, the tournament serves a much bigger purpose than determining champions.

“Our goal has always been to provide student-athletes with a platform where they can showcase their talents,” Ducanes said. “We hope this tournament opens doors for them to earn athletic scholarships through table tennis, whether in UAAP, NCAA, UCAL, or CESAFI schools.