Just weeks after his decisive win against Mexico’s Francisco Portillo on May 31, undefeated Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin made sure to attend worship services of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ)—a commitment he never fails to keep, no matter the circumstance.In his Facebook post, Martin said: “Wherever we go, we will find a chapel and we will fulfill our duty to the Father.”Martin joined the worship service of the local congregation in Los Angeles, California, showing his continued devotion and gratitude to the Lord God following his latest victory in the ring.For the 25-year-old rising star, putting trust in the Lord God is essential—especially as he pursues continued success in his boxing career.He demonstrates this by always attending worship services, staying united with the Church Administration, and submitting to its guidance—a trait he shares with many Filipino athletes who attribute their success to their faith.He is one of many Filipino boxers who exhibit this same devotion—never forgetting to give respect and gratitude to the true giver of victories, especially to His chosen ones, in every fight inside the ring.Martin currently holds a clean record of 26-0 (Win-Loss) with 20 knockouts and remains active in the junior featherweight division after his win over Portillo.

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

In an impressive display of skill, taller Japanese southpaw Madoka Wada (4-0, 3 KOs) successfully defended her OPBF Female Minimumweight Title by stopping resilient Filipina challenger Carleans “Chay” Rivas (9-8-4, 1 KO) in Round 7 in Tokyo, Japan.From the very first round, Wada utilized her height advantage, sharp right jab, and accurate counters to dictate the pace, keeping the aggressive Rivas at bay. Renowned for her tenacity and relentless pressure, Rivas found it difficult to close the distance against the rangy champion.In Round 7, Wada unleashed a series of unanswered combinations that prompted the referee to intervene and halt the fight. Although Rivas protested the stoppage, demonstrating her indomitable spirit, Wada had clearly taken command, landing effective shots throughout the bout.A big salute to Rivas—the fearless fighter from Angono, Rizal—whose courage and heart earned her the respect of the crowd despite the loss. She poured everything into the fight and exited the ring with her head held high.Wada’s victory keeps her unbeaten and solidifies her position as the reigning OPBF champion, marking her continued ascent in the minimumweight division.

Eldrew Yulo — younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo — takes center stage as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially open Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.Fresh from months of intensive training in Japan under esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Eldrew banners the host nation’s campaign alongside women’s division representative Elizabeth Antone.“He’s been working so hard to win medals,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion during the tournament’s opening press conference.Yulo begins his campaign at 6 p.m. in the men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) qualifications and team rankings, marking the start of the five-day competition running from November 20–24. The women’s qualifications follow on Friday, while the MAG and WAG all-around finals take place on Saturday. Apparatus finals for both divisions are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.A silver medalist in vault at the Asian Junior Championships last July in Jecheon, South Korea, Yulo is seen as the country’s strongest medal hopeful. Carrion expressed optimism that the teen standout could contend for gold in the floor exercise, parallel bars, rings, and vault.“He assured me he can do it. I feel he can give us one medal, or maybe even two,” Carrion said. “I’m happy with two medals.”As the Junior Gymfest gets underway, Carrion appealed to Filipino fans to rally behind the athletes—especially in a sport that has delivered the Philippines its historic second and third Olympic gold medals.“Cheer for our athletes, cheer for everybody, and let’s show the world that gymnastics is a very important sport,” she said.A total of 75 nations are competing for junior gymnastics glory, making this the largest and most prestigious edition of the event ever held—right here on Philippine soil.

The Perpetual Altas asserted their dominance with a 75-65 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball action.Perpetual displayed poise and defensive discipline throughout the game, limiting Mapua’s key scorers and converting crucial baskets in the final stretch to secure the win.Patrick Sleat led the charge for Perpetual, delivering an all-around performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—earning Best Player of the Game honors. His steady play on both ends anchored the Altas as they maintained control from start to finish.The Altas established a slim 38-34 halftime lead and continued their strong play in the second half, capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers and tightening perimeter defense to keep the Cardinals at bay.With balanced scoring and relentless hustle, Perpetual maintained composure as Mapua attempted several comeback runs late in the game. The Altas’ collective effort proved too much for the Cardinals, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.This victory improves Perpetual’s standing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as they fight for a spot in the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Mapua looks to regroup and regain momentum in their next outing.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has become the latest major sports body to update its policy on transgender athlete participation, joining several other organizations that have clarified or altered their rules this year. Here’s a summary of the most prominent changes:US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)The USOPC now effectively bars transgender women from competing in women’s sports, citing an obligation to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order. The USOPC oversees around 50 national governing bodies, potentially prompting rule changes at local club levels to maintain membership.International Cycling UnionEarlier this month, cycling’s global governing body banned transgender women who transitioned after male puberty from women’s races. This came after American rider Austin Killips became the first openly transgender woman to win an official cycling event in May.University of PennsylvaniaThe university modified three women’s swimming records previously held by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, settling a federal civil rights investigation and restoring records to female athletes. Thomas, who won an NCAA title in 2022, was at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender participation in women’s sports.World AquaticsSwimming’s governing body announced a policy in June allowing only transgender athletes who transitioned before age 12 to compete in women’s events. They are also exploring an “open competition” category for the future.World Boxing OrganizationIn May, World Boxing mandated sex testing for all athletes in sanctioned events, referencing scrutiny around Olympic champion Imane Khelif and other elite boxers whose eligibility had been questioned.British SportsFollowing a UK Supreme Court ruling in April, the governing bodies for soccer in England and Scotland banned transgender women from women’s teams, while the England and Wales Cricket Board imposed a similar ban.World Athletics CouncilIn March, track and field’s governing body barred transgender women who underwent male puberty from international competition. New regulations on athletes with differences in sex development, such as Caster Semenya, now require six months of hormone suppression before eligibility.US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)The NCAA announced in February that women’s sports would be limited to athletes assigned female at birth, enforcing the rule immediately after Trump’s executive order. The NCAA governs over 1,100 schools and 500,000 athletes.High School SportsNebraska became the latest state in June to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports, joining at least 24 other states with similar policies. The federal government and several states have clashed over such participation rules.These policy changes reflect a global trend toward more restrictive eligibility standards for transgender athletes, often citing fairness and safety in women’s sports.

Gilas Pilipinas character will be tested tonight, February 20, when they face a Chinese Taipei team that's fighting for survival in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at 7:00 PM at the Taipei Heping basketball gymnasium.The Philippine team will put their unbeaten record on the line against the home team that is seeking to finish third place in Group B and make it to the Qualifying Tournament among third placed teams and a possible last-minute shot of making it to Jeddah.Gilas are on top of Group B with a 4-0 win-loss record, followed by the New Zealand Tall Blacks with a 3-1 slate, then the Taipei team sitting in third with a 1-3 record, while Hong Kong is still winless in four games.Though the Filipinos have already qualified for the Asian Cup tournament set in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from August 5-17, Gilas head coach Tim Cone emphasized that they will use this third and final window as preparation for the said tourney.After their game tonight, Gilas will have another battle on February 23 against New Zealand in Auckland.Like Gilas, the Tall Blacks have already qualified for the Asian Cup and will also use the final window to prepare for the next battle.

Undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio is set to make history as he moves up a division to challenge Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. Should Pacio succeed, he will become the first Filipino to claim world titles in two weight classes.This highly anticipated champion vs. champion showdown takes place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Pacio, fresh off his emphatic victory over Jarred Brooks to end their rivalry, knows the challenge ahead is formidable.“Yuya is not the king of the flyweight division for nothing. He’s earned his spot at the top with his power and speed. I respect what he brings to the table,” said Pacio. “I know I’m facing a tough challenge, but I’m ready to give my best and represent the Philippines with pride.”Wakamatsu rides a four-fight win streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of former champion Adriano Moraes to seize the flyweight crown at ONE 172 last March. The Japanese champion has also claimed notable wins over Filipino contenders Danny Kingad and Geje Eustaquio.Despite Wakamatsu’s momentum, Pacio is confident he can make his country proud. “I expect a fast-paced, strategic bout. We’re both intelligent fighters who know how to adapt, so I believe this will be an exciting, high-level match. I’m looking forward to the challenge and putting on a great show for the fans,” he said.Wakamatsu, for his part, respects Pacio’s skills but feels ready for the challenge ahead.“Joshua Pacio is a world champion and a dangerous, well-rounded fighter. But if I stick to my game plan, I’m confident I’ll come out on top. We’re both fast and tactical, so it’s going to be a fight fans will remember,” said Wakamatsu.With both champions promising an explosive, high-level contest, fans can expect fireworks when Pacio and Wakamatsu collide in Tokyo.

World No. 1 Poland bounced back from a semifinal heartbreak to end their campaign on a winning note, capturing the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship bronze medal on Sunday, September 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.The Poles clinched their first-ever bronze medal finish in a hard-fought four-set clash against dark-horse Czechia, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, in front of a 6,535 electrifying crowd. 

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is making its much-anticipated return to the University of Santo Tomas (UST), with an exciting doubleheader set at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) on Sunday, November 16.Action tips off at 5:15 p.m. as the NLEX Road Warriors battle the Titan Ultra High Risers, followed by a marquee matchup between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 7:30 p.m.This marks the second time QPav will host PBA games, following its successful stint as a venue for the PBA On Tour pre-season tournament in July 2023, where proceeds benefited UST’s student-athlete programs.The game day also highlights the UST connection. Phoenix’s Dave Ando and Bryan Santos are both former Growling Tigers, while Titan Ultra is owned by UST College of Commerce alumnus Bryann Calantoc. Meanwhile, Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua, a former Glowing Goldie, currently serves as UST’s Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports.Following the UST leg, the PBA will go on a brief break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup Qualifiers home game against Guam on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym. On the same day, the UAAP will continue its basketball games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Another bronze medal was delivered by Rosegie Ramos for the six-man Philippines team in the IWF World Championships in Bahrain. The 20-year-old weightlifter achieved a total lift of 88kgs in the snatch and 105kgs in the clean-and-jerk for a total lift of 193kgs in the 49-kg category.Ri Song Gum of North Korea dominated the women’s 49-kg event after lifting a total of 213kgs behind a snatch of 91kgs and a clean-and-jerk of 122kgs.Meanwhile, Linxiang Xiang setteled for a silver after lifting a snatch of 92kgs and a clean-and-jerk of 120kgs for a total lift of 212kgs.Her success was followed by another bronze medal for the Philippines when Fernando Agad Jr. excelled in the men’s 55-kg category.After receiving the medal, the weightlifter from Zamboanga City expressed her gratitude in a long post on her official social media page.

Akari clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour after defeating short-handed Petro Gazz, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19, on Tuesday, August 5, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.The Chargers regrouped from a chaotic first set, where they wasted six points, before finding their rhythm and pulling away behind a well-balanced attack and improved composure. The win not only sealed their place in the knockout round but also marked a turning point for the young team, who are steadily adapting to the system of their head coach, Tina Salak.

Filipino cue artist Johann Chua was crowned king of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024 after defeating Chinese Taipei's Ko Pin Yi, 13-7, in the race-to-13 finals last Sunday. It was Chua's first 9-ball world title at the Hanoi Indoor Game Gymnasium in Vietnam.Before entering the finals, Chua first defeated his compatriot Carlo Biado, 11-5 in the semifinals. At the beginning of the match between Chua and Ko, the two players were still going toe-to-toe because their easy shots in the 3-ball and 7-ball were still missing.Yi was the first to win the first rack but Chua didn't give in despite of nervy start, who didn't get a chance so he immediately took four wins in a row until he claimed the crown.His Chinese Taipei bet committed a foul on the 2-ball on rack 16 which gave the opening for Chua to once again regain the table to restore his lead.This is where Chua gained momentum and was careful with his turns and also took advantage of the opportunity to get the 19th rack, until the 20th rack, and his turns became more smooth and here he claimed the expected title after falling short in the World Pool Championship semifinals and in the Europe Open finals.Chua, a 32-year-old cue master, emotionally receives the prize of his labor amounting to $30,000 cash prize and he wants to show the Vietnamese and Filipino fans the skill and the talent of Pinoys in the field of billiards. “Sa Vietnam last night, ang dami ng tao but iba pa rin yung mag-perform ka sa sarili mong bansa and my family and friends talaga. Yun yung mga bagay na sobrang excited ako ngayon and hindi ko maantay na makapag-perform ako bukas (Reyes Cup),” said Chua.

The Meralco Bolts are on a roll in the EASL Home and Away Season 3, notching their second straight win with a 92-74 victory over the debuting Macau Black Bears at the newly refurbished Cebu Coliseum last Saturday night.Imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero spearheaded the second-quarter breakaway for the Bolts before the rest of the team joined in to secure the 18-point winning margin. Romero delivered a massive double-double with 25 points and 28 rebounds, while Hollis-Jefferson finished with a game-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, thrilling the Cebuano crowd with three thunderous dunks.It was Meralco’s second straight home win in a week, evening their Group B record at 2-2 behind the Taoyuan Pilots (2-1) and the Ryukyu Golden Kings (1-1). The Bolts had earlier defeated the Pilots, 82-72, at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.Chris Banchero led the locals with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Asian import Sina Vahedi added 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists.For Macau, Damian Chongqui had 25 points, with Omari Peek-Green and Jalon Demarco Miller adding 14 apiece in the Black Bears’ season debut.Proceeds from the EASL game will be donated to Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu, with Meralco also raising P500,000 for the cause.EASL senior vice president Dominic Tang announced the league’s relief commitment, underscoring basketball’s power to unite and uplift communities in times of need.The scoresMeralco (92)—Hollis-Jefferson 34, Romero 25, Banchero 12, Vahedi 10, Newsome 7, Quinto 2, Hodge 2, Caram 0, Kouame 0.Macau (74)—Chongqui 25, Peek-Green 14, Miller 14, Ye 13, Shackelford 8, Guo 0, Liu 0, Cao 0, Lao 0.Quarter scores: 25-24, 48-38, 65-52, and 92-74.

De La Salle University capped a flawless elimination round run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Santo Tomas in a gripping five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.Fueled by a balanced attack, the Green Spikers leaned on Issa Ousseini’s all-around brilliance, finishing with 20 points built on 13 attacks and seven blocks. Rui Ventura came off the bench to spark La Salle with 18 points, including the decisive hit that gave them breathing room in the fifth set. Eugene Gloria also played a stellar two-way game, chipping in 17 attacks, 16 excellent receptions, and a backrow kill that sealed the sweep.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara has firmly denied any direct involvement with online gambling platform 1XBET regarding the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.The denial comes after Senate Games and Amusement Committee chairman Senator Erwin Tulfo flagged the tournament’s supposed sponsorship deal with the betting company, whose operations are considered illegal in the Philippines.Tulfo criticized the visibility of 1XBET at the event, calling for an investigation by the Philippine National Police and the NBI. However, Suzara clarified that 1XBET logos do not appear on the taraflex courts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum or the Mall of Asia Arena, nor are they present on local tournament promotional materials.Suzara explained that 1XBET’s presence is due to its role as a global sponsor of Volleyball World, the official international broadcasting partner of FIVB events, and not from any local deal with the PNVF.“Wala,” Suzara told reporters when asked if 1XBET had dealings with the organizing committee. “Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and sabi nga nila, illegal dito [ang 1XBET].” Suzara told reporters, emphasizing that the organizing committee had no dealings with the betting company.["Since the beginning, 1XBET is a global sponsor of FIVB. We met with PAGCOR and they confirmed that 1XBET is illegal here,"]To clarify, Suzara showed that the 1XBET logo is visible only to international subscribers of Volleyball World’s streaming service and does not appear on Philippine TV broadcasts such as Cignal or One Sports."In the case of 1XBET, it is illegal in the Philippines. It’s not shown on domestic television. You can only see 1XBET in the global feed or if you are a subscriber of Volleyball World," he reiterated.Suzara stressed that Senator Tulfo’s concerns may have stemmed from incomplete information, leading to the misconception that the PNVF had partnered directly with the gambling firm.“This is a clear [case] we have to correct na baka mali ang information na kuha ni Sen. Tulfo. This would have been a good research bago i-inform si Sen.,” Suzara added.

 After clinching the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup title on Friday, March 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the TNT Tropang Giga now set their sights on the franchise’s first-ever grand slam.TNT sealed the hard-fought seven-game series in dramatic fashion, with the final showdown extending into overtime. The victory was powered by the relentless efforts of import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Finals MVP Rey Nambatac.Hollis-Jefferson led the charge with 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—maintaining his unbeaten record in three PBA Finals appearances.Nambatac, meanwhile, delivered when it mattered most, dropping 22 markers on four three-pointers, grabbing two boards, and dishing out four dimes to cap off his stellar series performance.

The UAAP is ramping up health and safety protocols ahead of Season 88, which opens September 19, following the recent tragic deaths of two young basketball players during training.UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed at Wednesday’s preseason press conference that while emergency medical services and health protocols have long been in place, the league is now doubling down on caution—especially during training sessions. “We already have emergency medical services in place for competitions. But we’re making sure that athletes undergo proper pre-participation medical screening and reminding schools to be even more vigilant at their training venues,” Saguisag said. The renewed push for athlete safety follows the deaths of National University’s Ashlyn Abong, 18, who collapsed during training on June 28, and University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday, 19, who died after collapsing at practice on August 20.In response, member schools have also implemented stricter protocols. At UP, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development now requires all students, including athletes, to undergo medical evaluations before enrollment. Student-athletes must also pass a Pre-Participation Medical Sports Evaluation (PMSE) and additional cardiovascular screenings before joining their teams.“They have to undergo tests. Even if they’ve completed the PMSE, further clearance is needed to detect any existing medical conditions,” explained UP’s Bo Perasol.As Season 88 approaches, the UAAP is sending a clear message: while competition is central to collegiate sports, athlete safety remains the top priority.

Kai Sotto has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) following an awkward landing during the Koshigaya Alphas’ game against Seahorses Mikawa on Sunday, January 5.Sotto has been relegated to the B.League Injury List, confirming that he will miss the B.League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18.On a social media post, the 7-foot-3 center shared that he considers it the most trying time in his career, but he remains steadfast in his resolve and faith despite the setback.

The Philippines is poised to make a striking impact at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, running from December 9 to 20, by assembling its largest delegation in history. With unwavering government support, a remarkable 1,600-strong contingent—predominantly athletes from a variety of team sports—will proudly represent the nation at this highly esteemed regional event.“This is our biggest SEA Games delegation yet,” declared Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, signaling a bold new chapter in the country’s sporting legacy. This monumental team will compete in an astonishing 574 events across 50 sports, nearly doubling the 905 athletes who showcased their talents at the 2023 Phnom Penh Games. Prior to this, the largest Philippine contingent had consisted of 1,115 members during the home games in 2019.