Doha: The Philippine Padel Association (PPA) is sending 12 athletes to the International Padel Federation (FIP) Asia Cup scheduled from Oct. 17 to 24 in Doha, Qatar. A total of 14 countries, including Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, are participating in the event at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.

According to Philippines News Agency, spearheading the team is lawyer Jessica Marie Agra, the highest-ranked Asian player in the International Padel Federation (FIP) rankings at No. 149. Agra expressed her excitement about reaching the top 150 in July, as it brought her closer to participating in the Premier Padel, the highest level of padel competition. She aims to become the best padel player she can be and is eager to represent the Philippines in the FIP Asia Cup, a team event.

Joining Agra in Qatar are several notable athletes, including soft tennis standout Bambi Zoleta, Jessica Lucas who is based in Dubai, Princess Naquila, Rovy Conle Castillo based in Dubai/Spain, Anna Singer from Spain, Tim Berry, Michael Tamayo, Dheo Talatayod, Jan Amandoron, Francis Parangan, Roland Quizon, and coach German Streitenberger. The men's team is set to depart on Oct. 16, followed by the women's team on Oct. 18.

Following the Asia Cup, Agra plans to travel to Dubai for further training and participation in the FIP Silver. She also hopes to register for the Premier Padel in Egypt or Dubai, aiming to enter the qualifying rounds. Agra is the youngest daughter of lawyer Alberto Agra, a prominent figure in the growth of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) in the Philippines.

The PPA, founded by Alenna Dawn Magpantay, is recognized by the FIP, the global governing body of padel. This racket sport, originating from Mexico, combines elements of tennis and squash and is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and metallic mesh walls.