Decathlon Philippines welcomed fans and athletes on October 13, 2026, for an exclusive Asia Showcase featuring pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters and leading American sports brand Franklin Sports.
Designed to celebrate the rapid rise of pickleball in the Philippines, the event gave fans an intimate meet-and-greet with Anna Leigh Waters and her coach and mother, Leigh Waters. Attendees had their paddles and exclusive photo cards autographed while getting an up-close look at Franklinʼs mystery paddle teased to be launched soon.
The event gathered prominent figures from sports and entertainment, including celebrity Vern Ong, beauty queen Alethea Ambrosio, and professional volleyball player Ced Domingo. The spotlight also shone on 11-year-old rising star Gabe Ocampo, a decorated Philippine Pickleball League 13U multi medalist, who fulfilled a dream by playing an exhibition point with Waters.
Jessica de Leon-Ramos, Country Marketing & Communications Leader of Decathlon Philippines, emphasized the importance of having Anna Leigh Waters in elevating pickleball in the local sport community.
“…for Anna Leigh and Coach Leigh to be here today with the community, and from what I can see mostly women, serves as a huge inspiration for players to meet an athlete at the top of their game whether they’re just starting their journey in the sport or are looking to improve. And I feel that it really aligns with our purpose here at Decathlon, movement can begin anywhere, any time, and if they’ve found it through seeing their favorite athlete in person, we can be very proud.ˮ
Fresh off securing her 200th PPA Tour title, the undefeated 19-year-old Anna Leigh Waters reflected on the sport’s welcoming nature.
“If you are growing up and wondering if you should try pickleball or not, I would say give it a shot because I was one of the haters before I started playing. I just played one time, and the first time I hit the ball, I knew that this was something I would love to continue doing… There’s room for anybody to play pickleball because pickleball is so inclusive.”
This landmark showcase underscores Decathlon Philippines’ commitment to fueling the growth of emerging sports nationwide. By bringing world-class athletes like Anna Leigh Waters and high-performance sports offerings closer to local communities, Decathlon continues to champion accessibility, performance, and the joy of sports for every Filipino.
