PHILIPPINE athletes Bambi Zoleta and Patricia Raymundo have captured the gold medal in the women’s doubles 19+ 4.5 category at the World Pickleball Championship 2025 Tier 5, in Bali, Indonesia.
The duo, representing the Philippines, showcased a dominant performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a decisive 21-6 victory in the final over the pair of Marine Demol and Mila Yatmi over the weekend.
The lopsided score in the championship match underscored Zoleta and Raymundo’s control of the game, demonstrating a formidable combination of powerful serves, strategic volleys, and precise shot placement.
Their path to the gold was unblemished.
Zoleta and Raymundo swept all seven of their matches in the round-robin elimination stage, where they first faced Demol and Yatmi and defeated them in a closely contested 11-7 encounter. The repeat victory in the final highlighted their ability to adapt and execute a game plan against a familiar opponent on the biggest stage.
For Zoleta, the victory marks a significant achievement in her multi-sport career. A decorated soft tennis player, she previously won a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games. The successful transition and triumph in pickleball demonstrate her versatility and athletic prowess.
“We are incredibly happy and proud to give this gold medal to the Philippines,” Zoleta said. “All our hard work and training paid off.
Raymundo expressed her gratitude for their teamwork and the support they received. “It’s an amazing feeling to be a world champion. Bambi and I have great chemistry on the court, and we supported each other every step of the way.”
The World Pickleball Championship 2025 Tier 5, held in Bali, Indonesia, has brought together top athletes from around the globe, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport.
