By: Women’s Fitness Asia

Manila, Philippines—The FIP RISE Manila by BENCH Active 2024 didn’t just make history as the Philippines’ first International Padel Federation (FIP)-sanctioned tournament—it highlighted the strength, skill, and spirit of women in sports. Held from November 13 to 17 at the Manila Padel Club in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), this groundbreaking event brought together 122 athletes from 29 countries, forming 61 teams competing for a €12,500 (₱780,000) prize pool and international ranking points.

Women Who Stole the Spotlight
The tournament showcased an extraordinary array of female talent, with the women’s draw delivering electrifying matches and unforgettable moments. Spanish star Carla Fernandez Gonzalez and Dutch standout Rosalie Van der Hoek led the pack with grace and power, inspiring fans with their performance.
In the finals, British pair Aimee Gibson and Victoria Nicholas clinched victory. While their win came due to the unfortunate injury retirement of the top seeds Fernandez Gonzalez and Van der Hoek, the duo’s skill and determination were undeniable.

Filipina Athletes Rise to the Challenge
For Filipino women, this tournament was a chance to shine on the international stage. Competing against the world’s best, they displayed resilience, talent, and heart:
  • Jessica Agra and Alenna Magpantay fought their way to the quarterfinals, a testament to their growing prowess in padel.
  • Bambi Zoleta and Christine Patrimonio reached the Round of 16, earning respect for their competitive spirit.
This event underscores the pivotal role of women in championing Padel’s growth in the Philippines. Under the leadership of PPA President Alenna Dawn Magpantay, the association has emerged as a key force in promoting padel as an inclusive and accessible sport.
Pushing Boundaries in Women’s Padel
This milestone event has sparked new energy for the development of women’s padel in the Philippines. The Philippine Padel Association (PPA) is focused on ensuring that female athletes have more opportunities to compete, train, and thrive in this dynamic sport.
Future Plans Include:
  • Training Programs: Launching grassroots initiatives to nurture young female talent and develop elite players.
  • Tournaments for Women: Expanding the competition calendar with events tailored for women, including youth and senior divisions.
  • Court Accessibility: Increasing the number of padel courts nationwide to encourage more women to take up the sport recreationally and competitively.
The FIP RISE Manila by BENCH Active 2024 has set the stage for Filipinas to continue breaking boundaries and achieving excellence. It’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of women in sports—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
 Game on, Filipinas—the world is watching!

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