SMART Communications Inc. is bringing the excitement of the Philippine International Challenge 2026 closer to fans nationwide through PusoP.com where selected elimination-round matches and all finals matches will be streamed live and free.
The event that started Tuesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City and will end Sunday brings together 220 athletes from 28 countries in one of the country’s premier international badminton events.
Hosted and organized by the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD), the competition highlights the Philippines’s growing presence in the international badminton community while providing local athletes the opportunity to compete against top global talent on home soil.
Smart and the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) are supporting the tournament as part of their commitment to sports development and athlete excellence.
The support also reflects the long-standing passion of PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan for badminton, a sport that remains close to his heart and one he has championed through the years.
PusoP.com, Smart’s digital sports platform continues to make Philippine sports more accessible by bringing fans closer to athletes, teams and sporting moments that inspire the nation.
‘Sports play an important role in nation-building. It teaches discipline, resilience, and teamwork, while bringing communities together behind a common goal,’ said Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. ‘Through our support for the Philippine International Challenge and platforms like PusoP.com, we are helping make world-class badminton more accessible to Filipinos, inspiring more young people to embrace the sport and creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes to pursue excellence.’
‘This tournament is an important opportunity for our athletes and for the growth of badminton in the country,’ PBAD secretary-general Shawntel Nicole Nietosaid. ‘By bringing together players from around the world, we provide valuable international exposure for Filipino athletes while inspiring more young people to take up the sport.’
The momentum continues with the PBAD Juniors Tournament from August 4 to 9 also at Gameville Central Park.