From Seniors to Youth, Pickleball Gains Ground in Eastern Visayas Tournament

Posted on Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:06 pm

Palo, Leyte — Pickleball attracted a diverse group of players in Eastern Visayas over the weekend as the 1st Gov. Icot Petilla Pickleball Tournament concluded on January 25, after two days of matches that showcased the rapid growth of the sport in the region.

The tournament, held from January 24 to 25, was organized by the Guinhangdan Palo–Liberation Eagles Club with support from the Provincial Government of Leyte under Governor Jericho Icot L. Petilla and private sponsor Netro Fuel. Players from various provinces in Eastern Visayas participated in the event, competing in different age and skill categories.

Unlike many competitive sports events, the matches brought together teenagers, working adults, and senior citizens on the same courts. Among them was 73-year-old Culita C. Enguerra of Paranas, Samar, a former lawn tennis player who said pickleball allows her to stay active without the heavy strain that comes with more physically demanding sports.

Leyte 1st District Board Member Wilson Uy said the increasing interest in pickleball reflects a desire for sports that are gentler on the body but still encourage regular exercise. He added that the establishment of the Nitro Pickleyard was intended to provide the public with a safe and accessible place to play and practice the sport.

Tournament data showed strong participation throughout the two-day event. On the opening day, 154 players grouped into 77 teams competed in Low Intermediate divisions for men, women, and mixed teams, as well as in the 40-Uppers and Open Gender categories. On the second day, 114 players forming 57 teams participated in the High Intermediate and Open Gender matches.

Prize money added a competitive edge to the games, with most category champions receiving ₱10,000. The Open Gender winners earned ₱15,000, while second- and third-place finishers took home ₱5,000 and ₱3,000, respectively.

Organizers said the tournament was designed not only to determine winners but also to encourage more people to try the sport. They credited the successful conduct of the event to the cooperation of players, coaches, and volunteers, and expressed hope that the tournament would help sustain interest in pickleball across Eastern Visayas.

(Photos by: Ronnie Yanuario)