The Philippines has secured a major victory in the regional sports arena, winning the right to host the Astaf U-19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship in 2026. This decision follows the successful signing of a Letter of Agreement between the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) and the Philippines Sepaktakraw Association Inc (Pastai).
Sealing the Deal in Thailand
After holding formal meetings in Thailand on December 17, 2025, officials from both federations finalized the agreement the very next day, December 18, 2025. This grant provides Pastai with the full mandate to organize and stage the continental youth championship, which is scheduled for November 2026.
Under the terms of the agreement, Astaf has officially authorized Pastai to host the tournament. The hosting must be in full compliance with the Istaf 2023–2025 Tournament Hosting Requirements. This includes strict adherence to international technical standards, approved competition formats, and established governance protocols for the event.
Responsibilities and International Standards
The Letter of Agreement clearly outlines the host association's extensive duties. Pastai will be responsible for all aspects of local event delivery. Key areas include:
- Venue preparation and logistics
- Security and athlete services
- Media facilities and transportation
- Accommodation and tournament promotion
- Technical operations
These responsibilities are detailed in the official annexes that accompany the main agreement. To ensure fair play and global standards, the International Technical Officials (ITOs) and match officials will be appointed by the International Sepaktakraw Federation (Istaf) to officiate all matches.
A Milestone for Philippine Sports
The awarding of the Astaf U-19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship 2026 marks a significant milestone for Sepaktakraw in the Philippines. It strengthens the country's role in regional sports development and creates a clear pathway for youth high-performance athletes.
This premier event will bring together Asia's top under-19 athletes, officials, and sports stakeholders. It is expected to provide a substantial boost to sports tourism, strengthen regional cooperation, and support the crucial grassroots-to-elite athlete development pipeline within the Philippines.
Furthermore, the hosting rights reflect Astaf's strong confidence in Pastai's organizational capacity and the Philippines' overall readiness to deliver a world-class international sporting event that meets global standards. Marketing, commercial, and broadcasting rights for the championship will remain with Istaf, ensuring the event's international positioning and global visibility.
