PCL Asia Champs Go Separate Ways for Season 2, But Goals Unchanged: Win and Promote Pickleball
Filipino pickleball players Fatima Amirul and Nik Isagani, who were part of the Philippine team that ruled the inaugural Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia, want nothing more than for the country to defend the crown it won last August. But they will have to do so in different teams and with new teammates as they will be going their separate ways this upcoming PCL Asia Season 2.
“Yeah, it does put a lot of pressure on us,” Isagani admitted during a press conference in the Philippines announcing the Philippine leg of the tournament, to be held on 15–16 November 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia. “Of course, because we won the first PCL, but we always try to put it in our mindsets that we are not always going to win every tournament that we join. We cannot control the outcomes of every game that we play. So, we learned to accept that whatever the result is, at least we played our best.”
While only one of Isagani and Amirul will ultimately get the chance to defend that crown, both players are nonetheless grateful to share the spotlight with other players, whether they’re just starting to get into the thick of things or are already competing in high-level competitions.
“We’ll be in different teams and we’re bringing all of these other players who are transitioning to pickleball or they’re already in pickleball, and we’re giving the spotlight to them and the sport. So, I think that it could help in growing pickleball here in the Philippines,” Amirul said in the same presser.
Needless to say, Amirul and Isagani will have plenty to share with their new teammates, including tips on how to deal with the pressure of competing in high-stakes tournaments like PCL Asia.
“One of the pieces of advice that I can give to the upcoming players is to just trust yourself and your team,” Isagani shared. “And always believe that your home country is rooting for you. You’re not alone in your battle. Everyone is battling with you on the court.”
The battle to crown the Philippines’ next PCL Asia representative takes place on 15–16 November 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia, with Toby’s Sports as a co-organiser.
