In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”

The William Jones Cup crown is back at the hands of the Filipinos after Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas trounced hometown bets Chinese Taipei and secured a 83-79 victory on Sunday, July 21, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.The Philippine representative completed a title sweep after going undefeated eight times and achieved what they fell short last January when they finished runner-up in the 33rd Dubai International Championship with a team reinforced by former NBA player Dwight Howard. SGA lost to Al Riyadi in the final.In the championship game against Chinese Taipei-A, Tajuan Agee lead the pack with game-high 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, a block, and a perfect nine-of-nine from the free throw line, following him was DJ Fenner who contributed with 15 markers, nine boards, and four steals.RJ Abarrientos tallied 14 on four-of-eight shooting from the three-point line in his last game before joining crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra in PBA.Also standing out is veteran guard Kiefer Ravena as he provided nine markers on a 3-of-6 clip along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.Chris McCullough, on the other hand, finished with 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.McCullough was later named the tournament Most Valuable Player, averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks in Strong Group’s eight-game sweep.Robert Tsang Hinton led Taiwan’s failed attempt at the title with 16 points, Cheng Yin Chun followed with 13, while Brandon Gilbeck had a double-double of 11, 13 boards along with five blocks as the host team settled for the runner-up finish with its 7-1 record.Strong Group became the seventh Philippine team to rule the annual Jones Cup. The last time the country reigned supreme was in 2019 under the Mighty Sports squad, which incidentally, was also coached by Charles Tiu.

Fate definitely smiled on Samantha Catantan as she snapped the 32-year longing for a Filipino fencer in the Olympic Games after emerging triumphant in the women’s foil event of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates last April.The 22-year-old seized her Paris berth after defeating Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Aktayeva in a dramatic final match that saw the Filipina overcome a late deficit and a medical break to treat a knee injury.Tied at 13-all, Catantan took an injury timeout and was visibly limping when she returned to action. Aktaveya forced a final deadlock at 14, before Catantan seized the final point.

The Philippines marks a momentous milestone as the nation returns on this year’s Paris Olympic stage, celebrating its centennial year of debuting in the world’s biggest sporting event in the French capital.It was 1924 when the first Filipino athlete stepped into the Olympics arena and waved the Philippine flag in Paris. A century later, a larger and stronger Filipino contingent returned to the French capital to raise the nation’s flag on the world stage once again.To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Philippines’ participation in the Olympics, we take a look back on the Top 10 fascinating facts on the colorful history of the country’s Olympic campaign. 

No amount of preparedness can muster the lionhearted when competing in an arena where the best and the most formidable in the world have gathered to display their exemplary skills and brilliance while aiming to seize the glorious prize in the world’s biggest sporting stage.That is what the two Filipina fencers endured when they were unable to deflect the puncture of reality when they both bowed out in the Table of 32, ending their dream run in the Olympics.Samantha Catantan and Maxine Esteban made history when they both qualified for the Summer Games as the Philippines’ first fencing representative since 1992 and the first homegrown Filipina to qualify for the Olympics, respectively.With a rivalry to be settled in the Fencing events and an Olympic medal at stake, the odds of Catantan and Esteban facing off in the Olympic fencing stage is if they both reach the semifinals.But the encounter was foiled at the Grand Palais where both fencers were ousted from the Paris Games in the early stages of the women’s individual foil competition.

Following Team Philippines’ success in the recently-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, the Philippines’ Paralympics delegation is ready to make history when they compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games later this month.The six-man national Paralympic team left for Paris on Sunday, August 11, as they continued their preparation for the Games slated from August 28 to September 8.Since joining the Paralympics in 1988, the Philippines has won two bronze medals. The Philippines is sending a total of six Paralympians to Paris with this year’s delegation eager to make history.One of the country’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes, veteran swimmer Ernie Gawilan, is leading the pack as he enters his third Paralympics stint after competing in 2016 and 2020 editions in Rio and Tokyo.The 33-year-old Gawilan, who made history as the first Filipino to win gold at the Asian Para Games in 2018, is also a multi-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist and is poised for what could be his strongest chance at earning a Paralympics medal this year.Joining him is fellow para swimmer Angel Otom, who is poised to build on her remarkable success from the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where she won four gold medals, as she prepares for her debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics at just 20 years old.Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan is also returning for another Paralympics campaign as a top medal contender following his impressive campaign in Tokyo Olympics where he set a personal mark even after falling short of a podium.The accomplished 44-year-old is expected to leave it all on the track, as this could be his final Paralympic Games.Making her Paralympics debut, Cendy Asusano will represent the Philippines as the country’s top contender in the javelin throw at Paris 2024.Agustina Bantiloc is set to make her Paralympics debut at 55 years old, becoming the first Filipino paralympic archer in history to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.Representing the flag in the taekwondo event, Allain Ganapin is returning for his second Paralympics appearance after qualifying on March 20. Ganapin is finally making his first official bid after he saw his Tokyo Olympics campaign cut short before even getting started after he tested positive for COVID-19.The Filipino para athletes already kicked off their training at Nîmes, France. The Philippine Team hopes to add gold to the small collection of medals in the Paralympic Games. 

PBA Season 48 Most Improved Player Jhonard Clarito has shared his basketball journey in an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph when the team visited one of the practices of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.The first thing he shared with Scoreline.ph was the transition of his game play from his college days to commercial league to how he does it now.“More on running and defense. Defense first. That’s my mindset since I played in college. My school and I were not famous,” Clarito, who was an alumnus of De Ocampo Memorial College, said in Filipino.Then, he brought his talent to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) where he played with San Juan Knights under coach Randy Alcantara and even won a championship with them in 2019.“In San Juan Knights, under coach Randy, the playing style is the same – transition and defense,” added Clarito.

Filipino Olympic boxer Hergie Bacyadan dominated the women’s K1 -70kg category in the Asian Kickboxing Championships in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Saturday, October 12.Bacyadan’s frustrated attempt to clinch a medal in the women’s boxing tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympics only strengthened her to pursue glory in other combat sports. The 29-year-old Kalinga fighter delivered one of the Philippines’ four gold medals in the event, overwhelming her opponent Chinese Jinwei Teng via abandonment. Bacyadan’s triumph in the continental kickboxing championships earned her a spot in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.“Everybody wants to be there in the World Games and I’m glad that I’ve qualified,’’ said Bacyadan.

Rey Nambatac has overcome jitters in his very first game in a championship series and even led the TNT Tropang Giga to victory over Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals who was witnessed by 11,021 spectators at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Nambatac was named Best Player of the Game after putting up 18 points (12 in the final quarter), 10 rebounds and seven assists in his first Finals appearance.

Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard "Landslide" Folayang has given his full support to Filipina Muay Thai rising star Islay Erika Bomogao in her upcoming debut fight on November 8 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.Bomogao will face Japanese striker Fuu in a 100-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 86.In a conversation between Folayang and Bomogao on social media, the former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion said he has seen how Bomogao has grown and become a great fighter and martial artist.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara was chosen as the new executive vice president (EVP) of the sport’s world governing body, the International Volleyball Federation or FIVB.He was unanimously elected president during the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal last week.The other EVPs are Bouchra Hajij (Morocco), Marco Tullio Teixeira (Brazil), Mark Eckert (Canada), Dula Mester (Serbia), Hugh Graham (Cook Islands), Daniel Molaodi (Botswana), Mireya Luis Hernandez (Cuba) and Hila Asanuma (Palau).Suzara also said that through his election as EVP, it will give the Philippine Volleyball benefits and will give great opportunities ahead. “It’s a great distinction and honor to be named as executive vice president of the FIVB because it will give Philippine volleyball great opportunities ahead. Not only will our national teams benefit, but the entire Philippine volleyball," Suzara said. "We are very thankful to the FIVB, former president Dr. Ary Graça, and new president Fabio Azevedo for trusting me as new FIVB executive vice president," he added. Suzara will serve as EVP for four years as he also carries out his responsibilities as Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) head and president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). He was joined in the congress by PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Donaldo “Don” Caringal, and director Tonyboy Liao in Porto.Suzara presented to more than 200 members of the FIVB a comprehensive preview to the Philippines' first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship from September 12 to 28 next year. 

The final week of the UAAP Season 87 elimination round featured standout performances from rookies Amiel Acido and Cielo Pagdulagan.Acido of University of Santo Tomas and Pagdulagan of National University were named the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Players of the Week (POW) for the men's and women's tournaments, respectively, as the Growling Tigers advanced to the Final Four and the Lady Bulldogs finished a sweep of eliminations.Acido defeated fellow teammate Mo Tounkara, Quention Millora-Brown and Harold Alarcon of the University of the Philippines, and PJ Palacielo of NU to attain the POW honor of the season.The 6-foot-4 former University of Perpetual Help System DALTA star recorded 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one block in UST's resounding 75-49 victory over Adamson, helping the team advance to the semifinals for the first time in five years."I'm just thankful to those who guided me, especially the coaches, my teammates, and then the PTs. They are the reason why I am in this position. I am very thankful to them and I am also grateful for the blessings that have come to me and the opportunity given by Coach Pido," said Acido in Filipino."I am very happy not only for myself but also for the whole team. They have wanted to get back to the Final Four for a long time. My mindset from the very beginning is that when I'm given a chance, I'll do everything to contribute for them, and that's it, so that we can fulfill our goals as a team."

Criss Cross emerged as the top-seeded team after sweeping Savouge, 25-22, 25-21, 25-22, concluding the elimination round of the 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitation Conference on Sunday, December 1, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The King Crunchers tied with their archrivals, the Cignal HD Spikers, atop the leaderboard with 8-1 win loss records, but wound up with the superior points ratio.Nico Almendras had his greatest game to date in a Criss Cross jersey, registering a game-high 19 points built on 15 attacks, three aces, and one block. The King Crushers ended the elimination round on a scorching six-game winning streak thanks to his outstanding performance."This win is important to us because we will be competing in the semis so maybe what we played today, we will be able to watch it and,  of course, learn from it as well," said Almendras.

It was a grind night for the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers as ZUS Coffee pushed them to a five-set thriller, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.The Smashers improved to 4-0, and now tied with Cignal HD Spikers at the top of the league standings heading into 2025.Alyssa Valdez fired up 17 points, while Jema Galanza had 15 and Michele Gumabao added 14. The Cool Smashers had a 72-66 advantage in kills, allowing them to offset their whopping 33 unforced errors.Also coming through were Bernadeth Pons, and Galanza who scattered 17 and 15 hits, 12 digs and 12 receptions respectively, for the dynastic champion-seeking a magnificent five-peat feat and 11th crown.

Rookie sensation Shaina Nitura made history with a record-breaking 38-point performance, but Adamson still fell short in a grueling five-set loss to the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 16.Despite Nitura’s dominant display of 35 kills and three aces, the Lady Falcons suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, closing the first round with a tough 15-25, 25-15, 26-24, 22-25, 10-15 loss.  Her scoring feat surpassed the previous UAAP record of 35 points held by Ateneo de Manila University’s Alyssa Valdez (Season 75, 2013) and University of Santo Tomas’s Sisi Rondina (Season 81, 2019). However, the disappointment was evident as the 20-year-old Adamson star remained in the dugout for hours after the match and declined media interviews, with head coach JP Yude also refusing to speak.  Nitura, who also tallied 15 excellent receptions, had already cemented her place in Adamson history by tying Angela Bengting’s 33-point school record in her debut against Ateneo last month.

In the recently concluded PSA forum yesterday, head coach and tournament director Ronalyn Redima Greenlees is confident that the country’s hosting of the event will be up to the challenge in trying to defend the gold medals in the men’s pair and women’s singles events. Eight golds in singles, pairs, triples and fours (men and women) will be at stake in the event. According to Greenlees, lawn bowls has been in the country for over two decades, and was played in the 2019 Manila SEA Games where the hosts won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals.The Philippine lawn bowls is set to host the 16th Asian Lawn Bowls Championships next month.The said competition is scheduled on April 27 to May 4 at the Clark Bowling Greens in Clark, Pampanga, in which Twelve countries will field entries, including Malaysia, Iran, Brunei, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, South Korea and China.Unfortunately, the sport that was born in Great Britain, was not included in the calendar of the Thailand SEA Games in December.Greenlees also said that Filipinos are ranked No. 10 in the world and have had victories in the Asia-Pacific level.“Kilala na kami sa mundo. Dito lang sa Pilipinas hindi. Full support sila,” she said, citing the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Clark Development Corporation for the hosting of the Asian meet.Rodel Labayo, back-to-back gold medalist in the pairs event along with partner Elmer Abatayo, said winning a third straight gold is their primary objective.“Gusto namin dito sa Pilipinas mag three-peat,” Labayo said Rosita Bradborn, on the other hand, will try to defend her title in women’s singles. She won the gold last year in Thailand after a couple of silver-medal finishes.“Nag-tiyaga kami ng husto sa training para manalo ulit,” said Bradborn. Despite the challenges, the Philippine lawn bowls team is determined to showcase their skills in the upcoming Asian Championships.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected its new president last Thursday, March 20, naming Kirsty Coventry as the first woman and first African to hold the position.Before becoming an IOC member, Coventry was a standout athlete for Zimbabwe, winning seven of the country’s eight Olympic medals. At 41, she also became the youngest person to assume the most powerful position in sports governance.The first round of voting did not proceed without issues, as numerous voters reported problems with the technological voting systems.However, the voting was quickly closed after the first round, with a winner already securing the absolute majority (50% + one vote) required.After a 30-minute break, Coventry was announced as Thomas Bach’s successor and the 10th president of the IOC. Of the 97 votes cast, Coventry received 49, while second-place candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch secured 28.“This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never thought I would be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours,” Coventry said.She was initially expected to face a tight contest against IOC veteran Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe for the top job.Coventry emphasized her commitment to addressing inequality in sports, stating, “This also means strengthening women’s sports by protecting female athletes and promoting equal opportunities for women at all levels of our movement.”“This is not just a huge honor; it’s also a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you. I will lead this organization with immense pride and uphold its core values. I promise to make you all very, very proud and confident in the decision you’ve made today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, we have work to do—together. This race was an incredible challenge, and it made us better and stronger,” Coventry added.Meanwhile, her first major event to oversee will be the Milan-Cortina Winter Games next year in Italy, with the Opening Ceremony less than 11 months away. She will officially take up the role on June 24, following the conclusion of Thomas Bach’s 12-year tenure.

Fresh off their historic Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Championship win, the Petro Gazz Angels were brought back down to earth in their first match on the continental stage, falling in four sets to Chinese Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Monday afternoon, April 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Despite the momentum of a landmark local title just over a week ago, the Angels couldn’t find their rhythm against the well-drilled and youthful Taipower squad. The nine-time Top Volleyball League champions leaned on the consistency of 21-year-old outside hitter Hsu Wan-Yun and 23-year-old wing spiker Tsai Yu-Chun to maintain their unbeaten record (2-0) and clinch the top spot in Pool B.

After four seasons with PLDT in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Erika Santos has officially moved on from the team.The 25-year-old outside hitter took to Instagram on Monday night, April 28, to share a heartfelt message, thanking the High Speed Hitters for their unwavering support and the memorable journey she experienced with the squad.“After three unforgettable years representing PLDT, the time has come for me to turn the page and embrace a new chapter. I’ve been honored to compete alongside incredible teammates and guided by dedicated coaches,” said Santos.“To my teammates, coaches, and management who became family — pushing me to improve, sharing laughter, and never letting me settle for less than my potential. And to the PLDT fans, your encouragement after a loss lifted our spirits, and your celebrations after a win became memories we’ll cherish forever. I am profoundly grateful for each of you,” she added.

Many may be surprised to learn that Lewis Alfred Tenorio has been placed on Barangay Ginebra's unrestricted free agent list, with rights to salary. In his place, Jayson David has been reactivated to the Gin Kings' active roster.This decision came just a day before Ginebra’s matchup with the NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, April 30, at the Philsports Arena, following a tough 93-104 defeat to the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen.Tenorio's playing time has been limited this season, particularly after Ginebra secured the services of RJ Abarrientos during the draft.The four-time Finals MVP saw limited action during Ginebra’s recent Commissioner's Cup Finals series, where the team fell to TNT in a hard-fought best-of-seven series that even stretched into overtime.