SM Supermalls continues to cement its role as the home of Philippine ice sports as it proudly hosts the 2026 Southeast Asian (SEA) Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy for the third consecutive year. With the competition returning to the Philippines, SM highlights the country’s momentum in the international ice sports arena—an opportunity the mall operator hopes will accelerate the development of young Filipino skating talent.
The SEA Trophy, designed as an entry-level international short track speed skating competition, provides an accessible yet highly structured training ground for athletes who are beginning to compete on the world stage. It has become an essential stepping stone for skaters seeking international exposure, professional experience, and opportunities to measure their skills against fellow athletes across Asia.
“We are thrilled with the results of this year’s SEA Trophy,” said Joseph Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “Since the tournament’s inaugural run, participation has grown year after year. This 2026 edition marks our highest turnout and the Philippines’ strongest medal haul yet. Coupled with the surge of interest in ice sports following our recent SEA Games victories, we see this as a pivotal moment to spotlight the potential of our young, emerging athletes.”
Record Participation: 90 Athletes and a Strong PH Finish
On its third Philippine staging, the SEA Trophy recorded its largest athlete turnout to date, with 90 skaters aged 6 to 24 representing:
Philippines
Vietnam
Thailand
Singapore
Hong Kong
China
India
Indonesia
Team Philippines celebrated an exceptional performance, securing a total of 29 medals:
12 Gold
11 Silver
6 Bronze
According to Nikki Cheng, President of the Philippine Skating Union, most participants are at the early stages of their competitive careers. “These young athletes gain more than medals—they gain exposure, confidence, and a chance to compete in a professional arena. Facing regional athletes exposes them to different skating styles and raises their standard of performance,” she explained.
SM as the Home of Ice Sports in the Philippines
SM has long been a steadfast advocate of ice sports, serving as the home of the SEA Trophy since 2023. This year’s event was held at the Olympic-sized rink of SM Skating Mall of Asia, one of the country’s premier and most established ice sports venues. The competition was organized by SM Skating and the SM Sports and Leisure Center (SLC), with support from the International Skating Union (ISU) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The SEA Trophy is more than a tournament—it is a development platform that promotes:
Global participation in ice sports
Athlete skill progression
Coaching development
Cross-border collaboration
International exposure for emerging skaters
“Beyond providing world-class skating facilities, SM understands that true athletic growth happens when athletes face global competition,” Silva shared. “Events like the SEA Trophy challenge them, sharpen their discipline, and strengthen values like sportsmanship and camaraderie—qualities shaped only on the ice.”
A Launchpad for Future Champions
SM’s long-term investment in ice sports continues to produce promising athletes. SEA Games podium finisher Hans Buemio, who began skating at SM’s rinks as a child, is now the first Filipino homegrown speed skater to qualify for the ISU Junior World Cup series. He is already gearing up for his next international appearance in Utah.
Other emerging athletes have also thrived through the SEA Trophy. One standout is Bingzhen Dai, a Chinese skater who has been training at SM Skating facilities for two years and is a product of the tournament’s athlete development pipeline.
Silva hopes these athletes represent only the beginning: “With SM, our skating community will always have a home—one that provides inclusive, accessible, and world-class pathways for athletes to grow. Through the 2026 SEA Trophy, we look forward to discovering future champions and showcasing Filipino excellence to the world.”
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