The Philippines made its presence felt, delivering a strong performance in the Pickleball World Cup recently at the Tien Son Sport Center in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Despite the sport being new to the country, Filipino picklers proved that they have what it takes to shine on the world stage as they collected four silver and two bronze medals for an 11th place finish out of 66 countries who competed in this prestigious tournament that also featured South Korea, United States, India, Australia and host Vietnam, which emerged as overall champion with 96 gold, 66 silver and 58 bronze medals.

Philippine Pickleball Federation president Shery Anne Cu said resilience served as the key to their campaign, especially against bigger, quicker, more seasoned foes.

“Filipino athletes have a combination of heart, resilience, and competitiveness that really comes out when we are tested. We may not always have the same resources, training infrastructure, or years of exposure as some of the more established countries, but Filipinos know how to fight,” Cu told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Our athletes don’t decide what they’re capable of based on who is standing across the net. They compete, they adapt, and they fight until the last point.”

Liam Joshua Palma led the country’s medal parade as he won a silver medal in the men’s singles Open 3.5 category, while Angelito Enad and Patricia Pantangco also settled for the silver medal in the mixed doubles 50+ >4.0 division.

Shanelle Macapayag and Janell Caldwell captured the silver medal in the women’s doubles 30+ >3.0 category, while Kathy Ann Enriquez and Christene Jalapit added another silver in the women’s doubles 40+ >3.5 division.

Virvienica Searis Bejosano secured the bronze medal in the women’s singles pro category, while Jessica Marie Agra and Fatima Ayesha Amirul also earned another bronze in the women’s doubles Open >4.5 division.

Cu said the results showed that Filipino players still have room to improve, especially with the continued investment in coaching, player development and international exposure.

“We’re still building our coaching, development pathways, and opportunities for international competition, so we’re nowhere near our ceiling yet. If we continue investing in these athletes and giving them the right opportunities, I believe the Philippines can become a serious force in international pickleball,” Cu said, adding that there are some Filipinos who also emerged victorious in individual categories.

“We know what we need to work on. We know we need more international exposure and more opportunities for our athletes to experience that kind of pressure.”