Alas Pilipinas Men are expected to be at full strength with the anticipated return of star spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas just in time for the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this September.Bagunas, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a left knee injury suffered during the 2024 SEA V.League against Indonesia, is steadily progressing in his recovery. Meanwhile, Espejo sustained a left ankle injury during the 2025 AVC Nations Cup loss to Pakistan in June.Both captains are optimistic about their recovery timelines and are aiming to be match-ready by the time the world championship kicks off.“Okay naman po. Every day rehab at naka-recover naman na po,” said Espejo. “Target ko po talaga is maging 100 percent sa darating na World Championship.”Bagunas shared similar confidence. “On track naman yung therapy ko. This week, may hop test na ko so malalaman na kung makakapag-full training na ako with Alas.”Despite their individual recoveries, Espejo acknowledged that the team still has a long way to go before contending with the world’s best.“Honestly speaking po, super layo pa talaga. Pero yun nga, one day at a time, one tournament at a time. Ibibigay namin yung pinaka-maximum potential ng team na hopefully, mailabas namin,” he added.The return of Espejo and Bagunas brings a massive boost to the national team’s morale and competitiveness as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time, with hopes of making a strong impression on the global stage.

Akari marred the debut of Thea Gagate and return of Jovelyn Gonzaga to overcome ZUS Coffee’s test, 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, November 14.Ivy Lacsina paced the Chargers, which had already defeated Galeries Tower on the first day of the season and had won two in a row for a solid 2-0 start.After gaining a 16-13 advantage in the fourth set, debutante rookie Gagate attempted to keep the Thunderbelles in the match before Gretchel Soltones hammered a down-the-line kill, propelling Akari on a 23-20 lead. Chai Troncoso then came through with a massive serve ace to square the match at 23 apiece.However, Faith Nisperos and Lacsina delivered back-to-back sharp kills, shattering ZUS Coffee’s comeback attempts.“Actually, we’re doing good in the fourth set, and then little by little, we’re showing quite bad attitude. It’s kind of relaxed already. Also, just because we already adjusted our serving, that’s why we were able to make a lot of passes,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.

Meralco Bolts secured their second home win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 on Wednesday night, November 13, when they narrowly defeated the Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, at the Philsports Arena.Akil Mitchell, who replaced the recently retired Allen Durham as one of Meralco's reinforcements in the tournament, led the Bolts to victory with his 33 points punctuated by his split free throws in the final 6.4 seconds that eventually sealed the game. He also grabbed 22 rebounds in their come from behind victory.Mitchell, who will also play for Meralco as their Commissioner's Cup import, boosted the team to a 2-1 win-loss record.The other reinforcement of the Bolts, DJ Kennedy added 14, to go along eight boards, five assists, and two steals for the squad, while team captain Chris Newsome scored eight before fouling out in the crucial minutes of the fourth quarter.

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

The Philippines’ title defense in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup suffered a setback on Sunday night, August 10, with a 1-0 defeat to Australia U23 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.Australia’s Alana Jancevski scored the lone goal in first-half stoppage time, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Azumi Oka to slot a left-footed shot past Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.Both teams now have three points in Group B. The Filipinas previously overwhelmed Timor-Leste, 7-0, in their opener, while Australia kept their semifinal hopes alive with their first win of the tournament.The Philippines will next face unbeaten Myanmar on Wednesday, August 13, at Lach Tray Stadium in Haiphong, needing a positive result to secure a semifinal berth. Australia U23 will play winless Timor-Leste on the same night.The Filipinas’ best opportunity came in the 53rd minute, when Hali Long’s header from a Chandler McDaniel corner was denied by Australian keeper Chloe Bell Lincoln.The result also provided a measure of revenge for Australia, who lost 1-0 to the Philippines in the 2022 edition of the tournament, previously known as the AFF Women’s Championship.

American transgender women will no longer be able to compete in women’s events at the Olympics and Paralympics, following a policy update by the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).Effective last July 21, 2025, the USOPC updated its Athlete Safety Policy to align with United States President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order. The new guidelines, detailed on the USOPC website under “Additional Requirements,” state the committee’s commitment to ensuring fair and safe competition for women athletes.“The USOPC will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201 (Trump’s order) and the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act,” the statement reads. The Stevens Act, enacted in 1988, governs eligibility disputes for Olympic and amateur sports.A memo sent Tuesday to Team USA athletes from USOPC chief executive Sarah Hirshland and president Gene Sykes referenced the executive order, noting the committee’s obligation to comply with federal laws. Trump’s order threatens to withhold federal funding from schools or institutions that allow transgender girls to participate on girls’ teams, citing potential Title IX violations.The order also mandates immediate enforcement of single-sex sports and locker rooms for women, reinforcing the new USOPC policy.

The dream of achieving a rare Grand Slam lives on for the TNT Tropang 5G as they defeated the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, 86-78, on Wednesday night, July 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.TNT came out strong from the get-go, building a 27-20 lead in the opening quarter, led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who exploded for 14 points in the first period. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a game-high five blocks.

With determination and the Philippine flag on his back, Carlos Baylon Jr. delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 World Games, defeating Kazakhstan’s Islam Karimov, 2-0, to claim the bronze medal in wushu sanda on Tuesday at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium.Baylon set the tone early with aggressive takedowns and sharp striking, dominating the bout and securing a much-needed win for Team Philippines. “I am just happy to win this bronze medal,”  who earlier this year also captured gold at the IWUF 10th Sanda World Cup in China. “I hope I can win more tournaments and give pride to our country.” said Baylon.His podium finish closes out the wushu team’s campaign in Chengdu on a high note, following Krizan Faith Collado’s narrow bronze-medal loss against Vietnam’s Thi Phuong Nga Ngo.With Baylon’s bronze and an earlier silver secured, Team Philippines now holds two medals at the World Games, with five days of competition remaining. Baylon’s victory adds to the nation’s momentum and stands as a testament to Filipino resilience and passion on the world stage.As the 2025 World Games continue, Filipino athletes remain focused on bringing honor to the flag and inspiring the nation.

PLDT ousted ZUS Coffee to advance to the semifinals with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-19 win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour quarterfinals on Thursday night, August 7, at the Philsports Arena.Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with 28 points built from 25 attacks along with 10 excellent receptions, while Kim Fajardo facilitated the offense with 19 excellent sets. 

The TNT Tropang Giga escaped the fiery Meralco Bolts for a third win in a nail-biting 101-99 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, January 7.Despite their valiant attempt to rally from a deficit of up to 23 points, the Bolts were unable to answer on the final possession, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made the game-winning free throws with 10 seconds remaining on the clock.RHJ’s timely heroics allowed TNT to maintain its third consecutive victory. He finished with an all-around performance of 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Calvin Oftana spearheaded the locals with 24 markers, as well as four boards.

The NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio underscored the importance of sports development in the country, stressing that sports should be viewed as a long-term investment—not a waste of funds.In a media interview by Scoreline.ph, Gregorio highlighted the PSC’s ongoing push to improve sports facilities nationwide, starting with the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts, which is expected to begin in the coming days.“Sports is an investment,” said Gregorio. “It’s never a waste of money. When a child succeeds because of sports, when a community unites because of sports, that is something invaluable.”Preparations for WTA Event in ManilaThe PSC is gearing up to host a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament in January 2026, marking a major milestone for Philippine tennis. Gregorio said bleacher expansion is underway to increase spectator capacity.“We hope to accommodate at least 2,000 people in January,” he shared. “If we want to bid for bigger WTA events in the future, we may need to move to a larger venue like New Clark City. The BCDA has given us ample land there for future sports development.”Alex Eala Expected to JoinFilipina tennis star Alex Eala is set to headline the event, barring any scheduling conflict with the Australian Open.“The only chance she won’t be able to play is if there’s a conflict with the Australian Open semifinals or finals,” Gregorio said. “But if she succeeds in Australia, we’ll all be very happy. And if she becomes available after the early rounds, then she will join us.”Gregorio emphasized that hosting a WTA event is not only a showcase of world-class tennis but also an opportunity to highlight Filipino talent.“One day, we hope to see more Alex Ealas. I’m sure she also wants to be the reason tennis will grow bigger in the Philippines. And that is very exciting.”WTA in PH for the Next Three YearsThe PSC aims to host a WTA tournament annually for the next three years, making international tennis a recurring highlight in the Philippine sports calendar.“We’re committed,” Gregorio said. “This is just the beginning.”

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team bagged the overall championship in the recently concluded 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from October 27 to Sunday, November 3.In front of a lively hometown crowd, the Filipino paddlers added two gold, five silver and two bronze medals for an impressive 11-20-16 overall tally.The Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand took runner-up honors with eight golds, while the I.N.A (Individual Neutral Athlete) squad was third with a haul of six golds, three silvers and three bronzes in the meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Tingog party-list.The hosts won a hotly-contested masters mixed 20-seater standard boat 500-meter race in two minutes and 6.34 seconds, nosing out Singapore (2:06.73) while Germany was not too far behind in third (2:07.98) in the competition organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation.The Filipinos were also runaway winners in the 40+ 20-seater women’s 2,000-meter standard boat event (10:42.31) over runner-up Canada (10:48.64) and took silvers in the 20-seater mixed standard boat 500-meter  (1:58.13), 40+ 10-seater mixed 500-meter (2:19.45), 20-seater open (9:23.16) and 40+ 20-seater open 5,000-meter (9:34.47) races. But the 20-seater mixed standard 500-meters was the most thrilling as the hosts virtually led from start to finish until they were beaten in the last 10 meters by the late-charging Ukrainians, who snatched the gold in 1:57.51.   They also bagged the last bronze of the day in the 40+ 10-seater open 500-meter (2:15.93) event in the four-day tournament also supported by the Puerto Princesa City governmentAccording to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation or PCKDF president Leonora "Lenlen" Escollante, they are happy with the country's achievement and they were not disappointed in their hope that it will lead the international competition.Escollante also appreciates the warm support of the local government of Puerto Princesa in holding this type of international sporting events, as well as the hospitality of Filipinos to foreign visitors participating in the competition.

Defensive specialist Justine Jazareno emerged as the Philippines’ lone awardee in the second leg of the SEA V.League, earning Best Libero honor Sunday night, August 10, — her first international award.Jazareno anchored Alas Pilipinas’ streak of having at least one individual honoree alive for five straight legs of the tournament. She joined Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (MVP and Best Opposite Spiker), Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (Best Outside Spiker), Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Best Middle Blocker), and Thailand’s Pornpun Guedpard (Best Setter), Chatchu-on Moksri (Best Outside Spiker), and Thanapan Wimonrat (Best Middle Blocker) in the list of top performers.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is hoping to have naturalized player Justin Brownlee back in action in time for the start of the team’s training camp next week as preparations ramp up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.The national team will begin camp on November 17 at the Inspire Sports Academy, aiming to build chemistry and conditioning ahead of the first window of the qualifiers, which begins on November 28.Cone expressed optimism that the team will be complete by then, including Brownlee, who has been “missing in action” recently amid reports of pneumonia, causing him to miss Meralco’s recent East Asia Super League games.Neither Brownlee nor the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued an official statement regarding his condition.Despite this, Cone remains focused on ensuring Gilas is fully prepared before facing Guam on November 28 at the Calvo Field House in Guam, followed by a rematch on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.Meanwhile, Kai Sotto will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury earlier this year. His spot in the lineup will be filled by Quentin Milora-Brown, who has been cleared by FIBA to play as a local.“We just want to get going and make sure everyone’s ready,” Cone said, emphasizing the importance of starting camp strong to maintain Gilas’ momentum heading into the qualifiers.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters kicked off their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign after overcoming a shaky start against the Australia’s Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena.Savi Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 14 attack points while also registering eight excellent digs and three excellent receptions, earning the Player of the Match honors.The Pirates dictated the early tempo, going on a 6-1 run in the opening frame. But the tide turned when Wilma Salas’s service ace shifted the momentum and handed PLDT their first lead of the match. Despite the Pirates’ efforts to regain control, the High Speed Hitters responded with urgency. Fiola Ceballos stepped up in the clutch, giving PLDT a 20-16 cushion. Although an out-of-bounds attack momentarily disrupted PLDT’s flow, Kim Kianna Dy’s relentless offense pushed the lead to 23-17. Dy eventually sealed the set with a powerful attack, completing the comeback.

Shorthanded Akari regained its winning ways to breeze past sister team Nxled, 21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-18, in the ongoing 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, January 23, at the Philsports Arena.Ivy Lacsina powered the Chargers by posting 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Faith Nisperos and Eli Soyud both contributed 15 apiece in the winning cause.The win propelled Akari to a 4-4 win-loss record despite team captain Michelle Cobb exiting the court after suffering a neck injury during the second set. 

The Philippines sustained its impressive run as they trounced another higher-ranked team in world No. 38 Turkmenistan, 2-0, on Wednesday, January 15, at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Katrina Guillou scored the game-winning goal in the 23rd minute to give the Philippines the lead after the first half ended in a draw between the two teams.Then, in the 30th minute, Inday Tolentin secured all three points by beating Maya Musaskaya to the goal after taking advantage of a poor pass from Turkmenistan.The Turkmenistan women maintained a goalless record in the second half thanks to their pesky defensive front to begin the match. 

With a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in their sights, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is gearing up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year.Head coach Mark Torcaso expressed confidence in the Filipinas’ readiness following Tuesday night’s tournament draw, which placed the team in Group A alongside host Australia, South Korea, and Iran.The Asian Cup serves as the main qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, offering six direct berths. To qualify outright, teams must finish in the top two of their group or be among the two best third-placed teams across all three groups.“We’re really excited by the draw, and I know our players are up for the challenge,” Torcaso said. “Every team that has qualified deserves to be here. Every match will be difficult, and we’ll need to stay focused and determined to achieve our goal.”The Filipinas will open their Asian Cup campaign against world No. 15 Australia on March 1, followed by matches against No. 21 South Korea on March 5 and No. 68 Iran on March 8.With memories of their 2023 Women’s World Cup qualification still fresh, Torcaso remains optimistic: “We’re excited for the opportunity—playing against the host in front of a big crowd, and facing South Korea and Iran in the group.”