The green light has been given to the seven-foot-three Kai Sotto to see action for Gilas Pilipinas this coming window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on November 21 and 24. The development was confirmed by Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard Del Rosario. He said that Sotto has finally been cleared to play after going through concussion protocols. However, Del Rosario added that AJ Edu still remains doubtful as he continues to undergo strength training and treatment for the right knee that he hurt recently in the Nagasaki Velca’s 71-68 defeat to the Akita Northern Happinets.  “Kai is good to go, but AJ is still undergoing strength training and treatment,” said Del Rosario.Sotto’s presence in the team is a big boost together with the 8th-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo as the Tall Blacks are coming in with a seven-footer and a couple of 6-foot-10 bigs.

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.

Petro Gazz soared past Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, capping the first day of the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.Brooke Van Sickle powered the Angels, erupting 34 points anchored on 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while also putting up 14 excellent digs. 

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshot won their past four games to survive elimination and entered the playoffs for the 19th straight conference already.Magnolia was on the brink of being ousted in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup when their record went down to 3-6, but they peaked at the right time and clinched a quarterfinals berth after dismantling the NLEX Road Warriors in their do-or-die game.Now, the Hotshots are facing another tough challenge as they have a twice-to-win disadvantage against the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier, who defeated them, 103-107, during their lone game in the preliminaries.But Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero likes their chances against NP as they are now parading a healthy line-up."We're the underdog in this series. We're down in this series 0-1. So it's another do-or-die situation for us," said Victolero. "But I like our chances.""We're playing well on both ends of the floor. And pinaka-gusto ko lang is we're all healthy. I think this is the only second or third game (against NLEX) where we are fully healthy, lahat ng mga players," the Hotshots coach added."Hopefully we can battle with the No. 1 team and give them a good fight," he ended.

Despite missing out on the Paris Olympics in 2024, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo remains undeterred. The country’s first Olympic gold medalist is now focused on the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where she will compete in the women’s 58-kilogram division.“I’m preparing for the SEA Games. Maglalaro po ako ngayong December. Again, depende sa Philippine delegation, pero maglalaro po ako,” Diaz-Naranjo shared, her determination unwavering.For the Filipina weightlifting icon, representing the nation remains central to her career. “Bumabalik ako parati sa why. It’s always to represent my country and doing my best for the Philippines in weightlifting and also to inspire young Filipinos,” she said.Diaz-Naranjo already boasts two SEA Games gold medals in the 55kg category and two silvers in the 58kg class, but she knows each competition demands renewed commitment.Balancing Acts: Training, Coaching, and Inspiring the YouthWhile preparing for the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo juggles multiple roles: mentoring young lifters for Batang Pinoy, giving motivational talks, and pushing grassroots development in weightlifting.“Yes, [I’m] very busy. Pero ayun nga, kung may tinatarget ka, you prioritize training kahit saan ka man. Kaya tinatanong ko talaga sa hotel kung may gym ba sila. Baka pwede akong mag-training doon,” she explained.She often trains before or after coaching sessions to maintain her own focus. “Hindi ko sinasabayan na training and coaching… minsan nag-training ako before or after nila para makapag-focus ako,” she added.Building Back Discipline and FocusWith less than three months before the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo admitted she’s still finding her rhythm. “How prepared? Sorry to say, nasa 70 pa lang. So, restart ako. Nag-training ako, pero iba yung talagang from mag-start ako sa anong ginawa ko nung sa Olympics,” she shared.Her preparation is both physical and mental, with renewed emphasis on mindset and weekly mental training. She’s also prioritizing injury prevention and diet as she balances her demanding schedule with consistent workouts.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has officially given the green light for Alas Pilipinas players to return to their mother clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).However, the nationals will only be eligible to compete in the Reinforced Conference, scheduled from October to November, and will sit out the league’s short Invitational Conference kicking off this Thursday. The PVL’s long-running All-Filipino Conference is tentatively slated to open in January 2026.

Boxing legend Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is set to make another run at history as he faces Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight championship on December 17 in Tokyo — a bout that could make him the oldest bantamweight world champion in history.The Donaire-Tsutsumi clash will headline a tripleheader event promoted by Teiken Promotions, according to multiple reports.Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), the reigning “champion in recess,” previously captured the WBA title after defeating Takuma Inoue but was sidelined due to injury following a draw with Daigo Higa. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas — who was elevated to full champion — withdrew from a planned consolidation bout due to personal reasons, opening the door for Donaire’s shot at glory.Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs), now 43 years old, earned his interim champion status after a ninth-round technical decision victory earlier this year, marking a triumphant return following a two-year layoff.A victory in Tokyo would not only unify the title but also cement Donaire’s place in the record books — and in the hearts of Filipino boxing fans worldwide.“Age is just a number when you have the heart for greatness,” said Donaire, who remains one of the most respected names in the sport.

A year to remember in Philippine sports annals will be celebrated by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in grand fashion as it holds its annual Awards Night on January 27, 2025 at the historic Manila Hotel. The country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, is set to honor the best and brightest personalities and entities who made the country proud in the year that’s about to end. In a memorable 2024 campaign, the Philippines elevated its standards by gaining a first ever double gold medal in the Olympics courtesy of dynamic gymnast Carlos Yulo during the 33rd edition of the Games in Paris, France. The feat came four years after lady weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the country a breakthrough Olympic gold in Tokyo, and transpired during the same period when the Filipinos commemorate their 100 years of participation in the quadrennial showcase. The Paris stint also saw Philippine boxing rising to the occasion again by winning a pair of bronze medals through the robust fists of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians including the country’s representatives to the Paralympic Games, will be at the forefront of the traditional festivities where the awarding of the Athlete of the Year serves as its highlight. Another special part of the program is the induction of another Filipino great to the PSA Hall of Fame. The late track and field legend Lydia De Vega was the last celebrated athlete to be recognized with the honor. In celebration of the country’s centennial participation in the Summer Games, past Filipino Olympians will likewise have their own moments during the awards ceremony. The customary awards like the Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, among others, are also going to be handed out. To be recognized too, are major awardees in different sports, the usual citations to different sports figures and individuals, and the regular Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes. Not to be forgotten with a prayer and minute of silence are the personalities who passed away in the year 2024.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is back in action and making headlines once again — this time not just for her powerful play, but also for achieving a new career milestone. Fresh off her historic run at the Miami Open, the 19-year-old continues to climb the WTA rankings and now enters the clay court season with momentum on her side.As of April 14, Eala has officially reached a career-high world ranking of No. 72, gaining three spots since her sensational semi final-finish in Miami. Starting that tournament as World No. 140, she shocked the tennis world by taking down some of the biggest names in the game — including Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko, and top seed Iga Swiatek — before narrowly falling to Jessica Pegula in a gritty three-set match.Now, after a short break from competition, Eala returns to the court at the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal, her first appearance on clay this season. Notably, she enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed — a first for the young star in any WTA-level event.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

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. 

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala powered into the quarterfinals of the 2025 São Paulo Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over Argentina’s Julia Riera. Eala broke early to take the first set and weathered a tougher challenge in the second before sealing victory in one hour and 25 minutes.The match marked their third career meeting, with Eala and Riera now tied in head-to-head encounters on hard courts. With this win, Eala sets up a quarterfinal clash against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who has enjoyed a strong season with a 59–11 record and a career-high WTA ranking of No. 130.

Cignal bounced back from a tough loss and clinched the first outright quarterfinal berth in Pool B, defeating ZUS Coffee, 25-22, 25-17, 21-25, 25-16, in the PVL On Tour at the City of Passi Arena on Sunday.After dropping the third set and missing out on a sweep, the HD Spikers responded with a dominant fourth set. Erika Santos led the way with a stellar 30-point performance, blending power and creativity to guide Cignal to a one-hour, 51-minute victory.Cignal seized control early in the fourth, racing to a 6-2 lead with key contributions from Ishie Lalongisip, Jackie Acuña, Heather Guino-o, and playmaker Gel Cayuna. The team also capitalized on ZUS Coffee’s errors and showcased superb floor defense, anchored by libero Buding Duremdes.Santos sealed the win with a blistering down-the-line hit for her 30th point, pushing Cignal to match point. After a brief delay by a Chinnie Arroyo hit, Cignal closed out the match by winning a floor touch challenge.The win lifted Cignal to a 4-1 record and secured their place at the top of group play, guaranteeing a spot in the quarterfinals. Despite her standout performance, Santos credited the team.“We prepared hard for this. Yesterday, we were a bit off, but this time we stayed composed and just enjoyed the game. Everyone sacrificed.” said Santos. Lalongisip and Acuña added 15 and 11 points, respectively, while Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Tin Tiamzon, and Cayuna all contributed on both ends. Cayuna also tallied 27 excellent sets, outplaying her counterpart Cloanne Mondonedo.For ZUS Coffee, Arroyo topscored with 20 points, while Chai Troncoso, Fiola Ceballos, and rookie AC Miner provided support.Cignal’s firepower was evident as they outgunned ZUS Coffee, 71-49, and controlled the net with a 9-5 edge in blocks, overcoming their 23 unforced errors. ZUS Coffee, meanwhile, committed 15 errors of their own.After falling behind 0-2, the Thunderbelles rallied in the third set, fueled by Arroyo’s attacks and a timely timeout by coach Jerry Yee. However, Cignal shut the door in the fourth, refusing to let the match extend to a fifth set.A five-day break now awaits before the action resumes in Cebu City on Saturday, July 26, with Nxled taking on PLDT and Galeries Tower facing Farm Fresh at the USJ-R Coliseum. 

For Agatha Wong, the road to the 2026 Asian Games is about more than medals.It is about making every opportunity count.With the next edition of the continental showpiece not scheduled for another five years, Wong knows just how precious her chance in Aichi-Nagoya will be.The 28-year-old Philippine wushu standout is therefore leaving nothing behind as she prepares to compete once again on the biggest stage in Asia.“I’m very excited to go to Japan and just give it my all,” Wong said during the Philippine delegation’s send-off at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.That determination comes from experience.Wong already owns an Asian Games medal after winning bronze in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang edition. But she missed the podium in Hangzhou in 2022, leaving her with unfinished business heading into her latest campaign.Now, the six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist is chasing the one prize that has remained out of reach: Asian Games gold.Between the classroom and the competition floorWong's preparation is even more remarkable because she is balancing elite-level sport with medical school.A student at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Wong arrived at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Thursday wearing her school uniform.For the send-off, she changed into the official Asian Games tracksuit of Team Philippines.After the event, she switched back into her school uniform.It was a simple moment that perfectly captured the two worlds Wong continues to navigate—student and elite athlete.For Wong, however, the demanding schedule is manageable because of the support she receives from her school.“It’s actually doable,” she said, noting that her school has supported her since she began medical studies.That backing has allowed her to continue pursuing both medicine and wushu without giving up either dream.A second chance at the Asian GamesWong's Asian Games journey has already had its highs and lows.Her bronze medal in Jakarta-Palembang announced her as one of the Philippines' leading wushu athletes.Then came Hangzhou, where she failed to make the podium.Rather than allowing that disappointment to define her, Wong has used it as another reason to keep pushing.The upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Games now offer another opportunity.And Wong understands that the window will not remain open forever.“After this year’s Asian Games, I think the next one will be in five years,” she said. “So this one is really special. I hold it close to my heart.”That sense of urgency has shaped her mindset.She is not simply preparing to compete.She is preparing to give everything she has.Courage in the face of pressureThe Asian Games brings together the best athletes in the continent, and Wong admits that competing at such a level can be intimidating.But fear has never been enough to stop her.Instead, she embraces the discipline and courage required to perform when the stakes are highest.“I’m giving it my all, all my effort. All the amount of discipline that I can muster and courage,” Wong said.That mentality has helped build a decorated career that already includes six SEA Games gold medals.Yet for all those victories, the Asian Games remains different.The competition is tougher.The stage is bigger.And the opportunity is rarer.One more shotWhen Wong steps onto the wushu floor in Aichi-Nagoya, she will bring years of experience with her.She will also bring the lessons from Jakarta-Palembang, the disappointment of Hangzhou, the discipline demanded by medical school and the belief that she still has more to give.For a few minutes, there will be no lectures, examinations or textbooks.There will only be Wong, her routine and the chance to make history.The goal is clear.Asian Games gold.And with five years before the next opportunity comes around, Wong knows there is no reason to hold anything back.One more chance. One more fight. One more shot at the gold.This time, Agatha Wong isn't just showing up.She's going all in. 🇵🇭🥋

The TNT Tropang Giga once again relied on their scoring prowess to secure a narrow 87-85 victory against Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals to get the 2-1 series lead on Wednesday, March 19, at the Philsports Arena.Rey Nambatac played his best game as a pro as he finished with 24 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point area. He also had seven assists and five rebounds.The Letran product also led TNT in their comeback from a nine-point deficit in the first half of play. Then, “Sting-Rey” sank a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of the game to break the 82-deadlock.Tropang Giga’s import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson flirted with a triple double, tallying 20 markers, 11 boards and eight dimes, including his last dish to the wide open Glenn Khobuntin, who made his fastbreak layup to get his 10th point and put the game almost out of reach.Calvin Oftana also ended up in double figures, scoring 16 markers, on top of his five rebounds and four assists.

The world’s top young gymnasts will gather in Manila from November 20 to 24 for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, to be held at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.More than 75 countries will take part in the prestigious global event, showcasing the next generation of gymnastics stars competing for world titles and glory.This marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the Junior World Championships—a milestone moment for the country’s gymnastics community. The event highlights not only the athletes’ talent, passion, and discipline, but also the growing presence of gymnastics in the Philippines and across Asia.The competition is expected to deliver world-class performances as rising stars strive to make their mark on the international stage and inspire future generations of gymnasts.

As a child, June Mar Fajardo stood out not for his talent but for his towering height — something he once despised. Teased and bullied for being “too tall,” the young Fajardo wished he could blend in. Little did he know the very trait he once hated would transform his life and propel him to the summit of Philippine basketball history.Fast forward to today, Fajardo stands alone as the greatest of all time, owning an unprecedented nine PBA Most Valuable Player awards, cementing his status as the league’s most dominant force.“Sinong magaakala na isang bata na hindi man lang mahilig mag-basketball, pero nandito at mananalo ng nine MVPs. Kahit ako mismo, hindi ko in-expect na aabot ako sa ganito,” Fajardo said at the PBA Season 49 Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, as fellow players and legends applauded his feat.He reflected on how his once-hated height turned out to be his greatest blessing.“Dati sobrang hate ko yung height ko kasi ako yung pinakamatangkad, lagi akong binu-bully. Pero na-realize ko yun pala yung ultimate gift na binigay ni God sa akin. Yun pala yung magbabago ng buhay ko, buhay ng family ko, at buhay ng mga tao sa paligid ko.”From an indifferent kid who only picked up basketball for a scholarship, Fajardo became the most decorated and dominant player the league has ever seen. His journey includes six straight MVPs, a career-threatening shin injury, and a triumphant return to bag three more MVPs — capped by his best statistical season in years: 19.2 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.He admitted that when he broke his tibia, doubts crept in.“Kahit ako, nagcross din sa isip ko na baka nga hindi na makakabalik. Pero ginawa ko yung therapy ko religiously. Kasi kung mag give up ako, by default talo na ako. So binigyan ko ng chance yung sarili ko, baka makabalik ako — at yun nga ang nangyari,” the 6-foot-10 gentle giant said.“Credit din talaga sa sarili ko. Kasi di ako nag give up. Kung nag give up ako sana wala na ako ngayon. Thankful ako kay God.”From a bullied boy who once resented his height to a nine-time MVP redefining greatness, June Mar Fajardo has not only changed his own life but has also inspired a generation to see challenges as gifts — and to never give up on themselves.

Brazilian volleyball legend Leila Barros is set for a heartfelt homecoming in Manila as she arrives on Thursday, September 25, for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.Barros, a household name in Philippine volleyball since her first visit in 2000 for the FIVB World Grand Prix, will serve as guest of honor during the tournament’s semifinals and finals this weekend at the Mall of Asia Arena.Now 53 and a senator in Brazil, Barros remains a beloved figure among Filipino fans. At the turn of the millennium, her skill, charisma, and passion for the game helped ignite the rise of Philippine volleyball, inspiring a generation to embrace the sport.Last Saturday, September 27, Barros held a press conference and a special Meet and Greet session with local media and fans, offering an opportunity to reconnect with the community that still holds her in high regard.A decorated opposite spiker for Brazil’s national team, Barros’ international career includes two Olympic bronze medals (1996, 2000) and four golds at the FIVB World Grand Prix. Notably, she helped Brazil clinch bronze during the Manila leg of the Grand Prix in 2000—a moment that endeared her even more to Filipino supporters.Barros accepted the invitation of Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara to attend the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, saying the country’s hosting is a clear sign of how far volleyball has grown in the Philippines since she first played here.“In fact, for years I’ve been receiving invitations to come to the Philippines,” said the 53-year-old volleyball player-turned-senator during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday morning.“Then the longing really hit. I thought it was the right time to come to the Philippines, because I believe this is the moment when Filipino volleyball is growing,” she added.Barros first captured the hearts of Filipino fans with her skill and charisma during Brazil’s 2000 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix campaign, before making a brief return in the Manila leg of the same tournament in 2004.The two-time Olympic bronze medalist said it felt like she had never left, recalling the warmth she experienced on her first visit, when Filipino fans welcomed her with overwhelming support.“The memory that stands out the most for me is the natural empathy I felt as soon as I entered the stadium and with Filipino people,” she said.“It’s funny — when I was here, people were holding signs that said ‘Leila for President’ and ‘Leila, Marry Me.’ It seems like they could see the future, since I eventually became a senator in Brazil,” Barros added.Barros, who endured a five-day journey after her flight was delayed, said it was all worth it the moment she reconnected with the fans who had embraced her since the early 2000s. She will be attending the final two days of the FIVB World Championship before flying back home.She expressed her utmost gratitude to Suzara and the rest of the PNVF for bringing her back to the Philippines and allowing her to be part of a historic moment for volleyball in the country.“I’m also very surprised that it’s already been 21 years since I was last here, yet I still receive so much love from Asian and Filipino fans on social media,” said Barros.“I carry such good memories with me. I always tell people: we can leave sports, but sports never really leaves us.”With her return, Barros not only celebrates Brazil’s volleyball legacy but also rekindles her connection with the Philippines, a country where her influence remains timeless.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”Investing in Facilities and Regional TrainingThe senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global EventsGo praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-FixingBeyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.