Manila to Host ASTAF U-19 Sepaktakraw Championship
The inaugural Asian youth sepaktakraw championship will run November 26-30, 2026, in the Philippines.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Asia
The Philippines will host the inaugural ASTAF U-19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship from November 26 to 30, 2026, at venues in Manila. Fourteen countries have confirmed participation, with the final field expected to reach 15.
Why it matters
The championship gives young athletes an international platform and supports the development of sepak takraw across Asia. It also marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the event.
The competition uses two courts at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum and an auxiliary court at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, which also houses two training courts. Fourteen countries have confirmed participation, and the final field is expected to reach 15.
The players
Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF)
ASTAF is the governing body that organizes sepak takraw competitions across Asia, and this championship is its first Asian youth tournament.
Philippine Sports Commission
The Philippine Sports Commission is the national government agency responsible for sports development in the Philippines and presents this championship.
Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association Inc.
The Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association is the national governing body for sepak takraw in the Philippines and serves as host of the championship.
The details
The event is organized under the auspices of the Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with the Pilipinas Sepaktakraw Association Inc. serving as host. Confirmed participants include Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Timeline
November 26, 2026: Opening ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
November 26-30, 2026: ASTAF U-19 Asian Sepaktakraw Championship held in Manila.
November 30, 2026: Medal and closing ceremonies.
Season Trajectory
This championship is ASTAF's first Asian youth tournament, extending its competition structure below the senior level. It also reflects continued efforts to broaden sepak takraw participation among Asian nations beyond established senior-level competition.
Travelers planning to attend the November 2026 championship in Manila should book flights and accommodations early, as the event coincides with late-November travel. Fans can plan around the two venues, the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium, which are both located in the city.
The takeaway
Watching young athletes from fourteen or more Asian nations compete in a first-ever regional youth championship offers a window into the next generation of sepak takraw talent.
What happens next
The championship runs November 26-30, 2026, with the opening ceremony on November 26 and medal and closing ceremonies on November 30.
Further reading
Explore more on Asia travel destinations and events.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Philstar.
