Get ready, Cebu! The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) is officially welcoming the world's fastest-growing sport to its lineup: pickleball. The historic move marks a new chapter for collegiate athletics in Cebu, giving student-athletes another competitive platform while reflecting the sport's rapid rise across the Philippines.
Esports Ascends & New Hoops Teams Join
- Pickleball officially added to Cesafi as a competitive sport.
- Commissioner Felix “Boy” Tiukinhoy confirmed the exciting expansion.
- Initial inclusion targets college division; specific formats (men’s, women’s, mixed) still under review.
- This move cements Cebu's status as a pickleball hotbed in the Philippines.
The Courts Are Calling: Pickleball Hits Cesafi
Cesafi Commissioner Felix “Boy” Tiukinhoy personally confirmed pickleball's inclusion, speaking passionately about the league’s evolution. While the specifics – like men’s, women’s, or mixed categories – are still being ironed out, one thing is certain: pickleball is here for the college division, promising fierce competition.
“Wala pa ta naka han-ay sa tanan, but we already decided nga we will have a pickleball,” Tiukinhoy said. “Ang wala pa na decided is kung college lang ni, men’s ba ni, women’s or mixed ba. But definitely, college lang ni.”
What Does This Mean for Cebu Athletes?
Cebu City has become one of the Philippines' fastest-growing pickleball hubs, with a surge in dedicated courts, thriving local tournaments, and growing calls for publicly funded facilities. The momentum was evident with the successful staging of the Cebu Pickleball Open 2026 in late June, while Cebu City councillors have also pushed for the development of public courts at the South Road Properties.
Pickleball now stands alongside established disciplines like basketball, volleyball, athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, chess, dancesport, football, futsal, karatedo, lawn tennis, swimming, table tennis, and taekwondo within the robust Cesafi calendar. Its inclusion signals Cesafi's commitment to staying current, relevant, and responsive to the evolving interests of its student-athlete community and the broader sporting landscape.
Beyond the Paddle: Cesafi's Broader Vision
But the pickleball announcement is just one piece of a much larger, ambitious strategy from Cesafi to expand its athletic horizons. Cesafi's decision builds on that momentum by bringing the sport into collegiate competition and creating a structured pathway for student-athletes.
Esports Ascends & New Hoops Teams Join
Breaking new ground, Cesafi has also confirmed the integration of a dedicated women's division into the Cesafi Esports League. This means female student-athletes will now battle for glory in popular titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Valorant, further legitimizing competitive gaming within academic sports.
The hardwood is also seeing growth, with two exciting new basketball programs entering the fray. The San Roque College de Cebu Greyhounds will electrify the high school division, while the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Webmasters join the fiercely competitive men's collegiate ranks, promising fresh rivalries.
Petanque Steps into the Spotlight
Adding another layer of intrigue, the French precision game of petanque will debut as a demonstration sport this season. While less known than pickleball, petanque has cultivated a dedicated following in Cebu. This demo slot is a crucial trial, offering the sport a chance to prove its merit for full competitive status in future Cesafi seasons.
Cesafi's unwavering dedication to broadening access and creating more competitive avenues for student-athletes shines through in these bold expansions. By embracing new sports and divisions, the league continues to solidify its reputation as a forward-thinking powerhouse, truly serving the pulse of Cebu’s vibrant sporting culture.
