Padel standout Jessica Agra will lead the Philippine team in the FIP Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Qatar on Oct. 17-24, 2025. Agra is ranked No. 145 in the world. (Contributed photo)
The Philippines is ready to make waves in the growing world of padel as lawyer-athlete Jessica Agra spearheads the country’s campaign in the 2025 FIP Asia Padel Cup, set from October 17 to 24 in Doha, Qatar.
Fresh off a string of strong performances on the international circuit, Agra—who recently climbed to a career-high No. 145 in the International Padel Federation (FIP) rankings—returns to the continental stage with more confidence and firepower. She now holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked Filipino in FIP, thanks to her back-to-back appearances in key tournaments in China and Japan.
Teaming up with Japan’s Yoshino Kushima, Agra reached the quarterfinals of the FIP Silver tournament in Chengdu. She followed that up with a deeper run in Tokyo, pairing with Spain’s Maria Mayoral Estrada to reach the semifinals of the FIP Bronze tournament—only to be stopped by world-class duo Rosalie Van Der Hoek of the Netherlands and Mexico’s Camila Ramme Coellar.
Now, she brings that momentum to Qatar, where the Philippine women’s padel team will debut directly in the main draw—an honor earned from their podium finish in last year’s edition. The team placed third among over 20 Asian nations in 2024, a historic feat they now hope to surpass.
“This year, we’re entering the tournament not just with pride but with purpose,” said Alenna Dawn Magpantay, founder of the Philippine Padel Association (PPA). “Jessica and the rest of our women’s squad are stronger, smarter, and hungrier. They know what’s at stake, and they’re ready to prove that the Philippines belongs among Asia’s padel elite.”
Leading the men’s side is Timothy Alonso Berry, who was named team captain. He will be supported by newly appointed coach German Streitenberger of Argentina, who brings international pedigree to the fold.
“Our men’s team may be younger, but they’re coming into this with the kind of grit and technical preparation that makes them dangerous,” Magpantay added.
The FIP Asia Padel Cup is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the sport’s meteoric rise across the continent. And with Qatar emerging as a global padel hub, the stage couldn’t be more perfect.
FIP President Luigi Carraro praised Qatar’s continued commitment to the sport: “Doha has become a symbolic city for padel. Hosting the Asia Cup here represents our shared ambition to push padel into a new era—one that values unity, sportsmanship, and national pride.”
Tournament director and Padel Asia president Tareq Zainal echoed the sentiment: “This isn’t just a tournament—it’s a milestone for Asia. From the Middle East to Southeast Asia, we’re seeing how padel is building bridges and transforming lives.”
With the spotlight shining on Qatar and the stakes higher than ever, the Philippine team enters the FIP Asia Padel Cup not just as competitors—but as contenders chasing glory, driven by heart, unity, and the dream of putting Philippine padel on the global map.