The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) has named Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo as the 2024 Athlete of the Year in recognition of his gold medal achievement at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.Yulo’s achievement of becoming the first Filipino athlete to win two gold medals at the Olympics was a fitting tribute to the nation’s 100 years of Summer Games participation.The 24-year-old Yulo led the Philippines by ruling the floor exercise and vault apparatus events in gymnastics, setting a record the country has never previously achieved in the history of the quadrennial showcase. He became the second athlete to win the Olympic gold medal, following in the footsteps of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who ended the country’s search for the elusive gold during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Yulo’s noteworthy achievement for the country made him the obvious pick for Athlete of the Year honors when the PSA hosts its Awards Night on January 27 at the Manila Hotel.

The Philippines takes its second crack at giving the home crowd a winning result in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup tonight when it battles Morocco at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The Filipina5 and the Atlas Lionesses are in the same boat, coming off identical 0-6 losses in their opening assignments against Poland and Argentina, respectively. And the protagonists both view their 8:30 p.m. matchup as a good opportunity to get on the board in Group A. The hosts brace for a tough duel against Morocco, the reigning Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations titlist that’s sitting 42 places higher in the world rankings at 31st. “Bilog po ang bola,” said co-skipper Inday Tolentin ahead of the Filipina 5’s mission against the Moroccans in the inaugural global meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Philippine Football Federation (PFF).“Gagawin po namin ang lahat para maipanalo ‘yung laban at lalaban kami para sa team, para sa bayan, and para sa mga taong naniniwala sa amin,” she added. Coach Rafa Merino expressed confidence his charges would come out of the debut game against No. 14 Poland wiser and more inspired, especially with Filipino supporters rallying them on. “We’re in the World Cup, so every team will be difficult. Probably the other team has more experience than we do, but what makes us different is the energy that we have. We bring a lot of good vibes to the table and energy,” the Spaniard said through an interpreter.World No. 6 Argentina and Poland tangle in the first fixture at 6 p.m. with a solo lead at six points. In other results, reigning Asian champion and fifth-ranked Japan clobbered No. 21 New Zealand, 6-0, in Group C, while No. 2 Spain and No. 8 Colombia outclassed No. 4 Thailand, 5-2, and No. 74 Canada, 2-0, respectively, in Group B.

On the first official game day of the Palarong Pambansa 2025, before many delegations could even settle in, CALABARZON already had something to celebrate — its first gold medal, delivered by none other than 12-year-old Sam C. Garcia.She is a Grade 6 student-athlete from Eulogio G. Cerrado Elementary School in the province of Batangas. Sam launched a personal best of 33.96 meters in the Discus Throw, securing the region’s first golden moment of the competition.But this wasn’t her first time in the spotlight.Last year’s Palarong Pambansa, Sam debuted at the Palaro and clinched bronze medals in both discus and javelin, and became the CALABARZON’s first medalist that year. From a 28-meter throw in 2024 to nearly 34 meters this year, her growth is no accident — it’s the product of discipline, hard work, and unshakeable focus.“Nag-improve ako sa technique ko this year. Ginamit ko ‘yung 360-degree spin para mas malayo ang bitaw,” Garcia shared, her voice modest but proud.Once a track-and-field runner, Sam’s journey as a thrower began in Grade 4, when Coach Michelle Hernandez noticed her natural strength and saw potential beyond the lanes.“Dati akong tumatakbo, pero sabi ni Coach, malakas daw ang braso ko. Sinubukan ko ‘yung discus at nagustuhan ko,” she recalled.Despite lacking formal training facilities, She turned a vacant lot outside her school into her training ground. Every day, she commits to two hours of practice — including stretching, jogging, footwork, and throwing drills. For her, even a 10-minute warm-up matters.And before every competition? She prays.“Lagi akong nagdarasal bago maglaro. Para mawala ‘yung kaba at maging focused ako,” she added.Sam has done it again, snagging her second medal in shot put with immense pride, she didn't just win – she absolutely smashed the record with an incredible throw of 12.48 meters proving that even in shot put, Batangas always goes for gold. Even as the only athlete from her school to qualify for Palaro, she carries her banner high — with quiet strength, resilience, and a fierce competitive spirit.Off the field, Sam is equally dynamic, enjoying volleyball and basketball, proving her passion for sports goes beyond the throwing circle.Garcia is more than CALABARZON’s two time gold medalist of 2025 Palarong Pambansa — she’s a symbol of perseverance, grit, and limitless potential. Her story is not only about a golden throw but about what it takes to rise from the ground up — quite literally.From a barren lot to the national spotlight, CALABARZON’s golden journey began with the powerful spin of a young girl who dared to throw beyond limits.

When the game was on the line, Anton Asistio stepped up and delivered.The sharpshooting guard calmly sank four crucial free throws in the dying seconds to power Rain or Shine Elasto Painters past Titan Ultra, 112-111, in a heart-stopping PBA Philippine Cup clash on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Down 108-111 with just over two seconds left, Asistio drew a foul from beyond the arc and coolly converted all his free throws to complete Rain or Shine’s dramatic comeback and secure their second straight win, improving to 3-1 in the standings.Head coach Yeng Guiao lauded Asistio’s composure and quick thinking in executing the play perfectly under pressure.“We designed that last play for Anton, but we did not really anticipate that it was going to be a four-point shot,” said Guiao. “We knew they were going to foul, so we told him—when you feel the foul coming, put up the shot. That’s exactly what he did.”The clutch moment capped off a strong all-around team performance. Adrian Nocum led the E-Painters with 24 points before fouling out, while Santi Santillan poured in 21 points—including 13 in the fourth quarter—to spearhead the rally. Jhonard Clarito added 19 markers, eight of which came in the final frame.Despite a big night from Calvin Abueva, who finished with 31 points and 18 rebounds, Titan Ultra fell short and dropped to 1-4. Aljun Melecio chipped in 21, while Joshua Munzon came close to a triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.Titan looked in full control after building an 85-66 lead in the third quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers, but Rain or Shine’s relentless fightback flipped the script.“I’m really happy with the endgame, but for the first three quarters, I wasn’t that happy,” Guiao admitted. “The important thing is, we found ways to win.”With momentum on their side and confidence growing, Rain or Shine continues to show the grit and chemistry that define a true contender in this year’s Philippine Cup.

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.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for the creation of a Department of Sports, calling it long overdue during the Senate Committee on Sports’ first public hearing of the 20th Congress. Go emphasized the need for a dedicated department to address the limited budget and resources currently allotted to sports, noting that the PSC only received significant funding increases through congressional intervention.“Kung titingnan mo sa budget, napakaliit ng (budget) share ng sports talaga. Kaya nga sana, kung kakayanin maging departamento ito,” Go said. Go added that given the meager sports budget, it is high time this was done: “Napapanahon na po talaga, at sobrang liit ng natatanggap ninyo.”Go argued that enhanced government investment is essential to support Filipino athletes’ international success and strengthen grassroots sports development. He cited the country’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 and the double gold haul in Paris 2024 as proof that sustained support yields results.“Kaya naman nagdagdag tayo ng budget para maging PhP 1.2 billion ang budget ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) noong 2024,” Go pointed out.Go also highlighted the wider societal impact of investing in sports, saying it helps protect the youth from drugs and vices while fostering national pride and inspiration. “We expect our athletes to perform in international competitions. Kapag nanalo sila damay po ang buong bansa sa honor na dala nila,” Go underscored.“Makikita naman natin na sulit ang pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta.” “Dati po, since 2019, kulelat tayo sa gold. Sa Olympics, wala tayong gold, naalala ko. Huli tayong silver noong 2016, I think, and before that, 1996 iyung silver na pinakamataas na nakamit natin sa Olympics,” Go added.“Napapanahon na po talaga,” Go said, underscoring the urgency of establishing a Department of Sports.“I firmly believe that investing in sports does more than building champions. It protects our youth from drugs and harmful vices while also nurturing world-class athletes who bring pride, honor, and inspiration to our nation,” Go concluded.

Alex Eala’s US Open campaign ended in the second round with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa on Thursday morning (Manila time) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.Despite strong support from Filipino fans on Court 7, the 20-year-old Filipina couldn’t build on her dramatic first-round win over world No. 14 Clara Tauson. Eala, ranked No. 75, led 4-3 in the opening set but lost momentum after a crucial forehand error, allowing the 95th-ranked Bucsa to take control and save three break points to secure the set.The second set slipped away after a 2-2 tie, as Eala’s unforced errors and a double fault proved costly. The result evened their head-to-head at 1-1, with Eala’s lone win over Bucsa coming in 2021.Despite the loss, Eala’s round-of-64 finish marks her best Grand Slam result to date, improving on earlier exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Her breakthrough run to the US Open main draw came after a strong showing at the Miami Open, which propelled her into the WTA Top 100.Next up, Eala is slated to compete as the third seed at the WTA 250 São Paulo Open in Brazil, starting on September 8.

Zus Coffee secured a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, while Nxled ended its campaign on a high note with a dominant win, as both teams wrapped up their play-in matches on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.   

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is exploring the possibility of forming a Gilas Pilipinas lineup that blends PBA pros and top collegiate talent for the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, slated from December 9 to 20.With the PBA’s 50th season Philippine Cup deep in the elimination round by then, the PBA Board of Governors has approved the release of only a limited number of players for the SEA Games campaign.Veteran coach and Meralco consultant Norman Black is being tapped to lead the squad, pending a formal confirmation from the SBP. Black, who last coached a gold-winning SEA Games in 2011, confirmed his willingness to take on the task.

The San Miguel Beermen fended off a spirited comeback from the Meralco Bolts, 110-98, in a throwback-filled matchup as the PBA celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Wednesday, April 9, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.Sporting retro uniforms in celebration of the league’s milestone, the Beermen secured their second straight-win in the conference, while the Bolts dropped to 2-1.June Mar Fajardo delivered another stellar performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while CJ Perez top scored with 29 markers, five boards, four dimes, and two steals.

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 Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the grit of the Terrafirma Dyip to carve out an 89-84 victory in their battle last night, January 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Magnolia improved their record to 3-5 and still held on to their chance of making it to the playoffs of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.The win also gave the Hotshots their 20th straight triumph against the Terrafirma, which fell down to 0-9 in the conference and officially put them out of contention in the next round.

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 Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is going all out in its preparations for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for November 20–24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.The prestigious global event will gather a record-breaking number of nations and athletes, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing prominence in the gymnastics world—especially after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.According to GAP, delegates will begin arriving by November 14, with some already expressing interest in staying longer to explore the country. Adding star power to the festivities, actor and GAP board member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.“We are going all out in our effort to host this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion. “It will be a showcase of skills and talent amid a lively, festive, and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for.”Carrion added that the Philippines’ track record in staging world-class sporting events convinced the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by President Morinari Watanabe, to entrust the hosting to Manila—following the federation’s Congress in Doha in 2024.With passion, hospitality, and world-class preparation, the Philippines is ready to make history once again on the global gymnastics stage.

The Converge FiberXers defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-96, in their match-up last night, January 14, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Converge victory gave the squad the solo second spot with a 7-3 card in the team standings, just a half-game behind the lead-leading NorthPort Batang Pier (7-2), who just lost their game earlier against the Meralco Bolts, 94-111.

TNT Tropang Giga was unable to hold on to the tight defense of Northport Batang Pier, which won its fourth straight game, 100-95, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.However, TNT managed to cut the lead to 97-95 with 1:43 left on the game clock when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a free throw, but Joshua Munzon successfully converted his three-point shot to keep the Batang Pier from losing the lead.“I just take that shcot with confidence. The play wasn't even for me but [my teammates] found me. I was open and I was happy that I made that shot. I was confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it's going in," said Munzon.Northport Batang Pier assistant coach Renzy Bajar said the key to their win was their strong defense against TNT.The Batang Pier also took advantage of the suspension of big man Poy Erram, who was penalized for hitting Glenn Yang in TNT’s conference-opening loss to Hong Kong Eastern this weekend. 

Gymnasts and siblings Karl and Elaiza Yulo were among those who were recognized in the recently concluded 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards held last Thursday, December 5 in Taguig City.Gymnast Karl Eldrew was among the Youth Heroes awardees, while Elaiza received the Super Kids award.Eldrew recently won four gold medals in the 3rd JRC Artistic Gymnastics Stars Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, while Elaiza has also been making her own name in gymnastics and now a recipient of the Milo Emerging Athlete Award and Most Bemedalled Women's Artistic Gymnastics Athlete in Palarong Pambansa. Eldrew and Elaiza will also be mentored by their brother Carlos Yulo's former coach, Munehiro Kugimiya.

The Philippine Muay Wai Kru team continues to build momentum at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, capturing another gold medal through the impressive tandem of Tyron Jamborillo and Jan Brix Ramiscal in the Mixed Mai Muay competition held at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.Following the earlier triumphs of Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno in the 14–15 Wai Kru divisions, Jamborillo and Ramiscal delivered a near-flawless performance, showcasing synchronization, power, and grace that earned them 9.20 points from the judges.Their routine outshined the host nation’s team from the United Arab Emirates, Rakan Yousef, Aziz Alhammadi, and Aya Chaari, who took silver, while Malaysia’s Jaethan Jonathan Quan and Bethany Yun Yunn settled for bronze with 8.27 points.The duo’s golden finish marked the third gold medal for the Philippine Muay squad, further strengthening the country’s campaign with an updated tally of 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 6 bronzes.Ramiscal also added to the medal count earlier with a silver medal in the Boys’ Wai Kru 16–17 division, finishing behind Thailand’s Pimpichien Chaiwan.With each win, the Filipino Muay contingent continues to assert its growing dominance in the regional scene, carrying the nation’s pride high in Bahrain.

It is no surprise that the foundation of Rain or Shine has been built through the camaraderie of homegrown talents, who are thirsty to prove their worth and place in the fiercely competed Philippine Basketball Association, or PBA.The Elasto Painters’ roster now boasts an abundance of options on offense and defense, a pivotal balance that could anchor the team away from their 12-year drought of the Governor’s Cup win.Seasoned veterans might have propelled the team with its depth that proves they could etch their name as one of the most formidable teams, but with the Rain or Shine being bolstered by young players, especially with this year’s draft picks, they might have a chance to attain the crown that was once in their hands.No.7 overall pick in the draft, Caelan Tiongson proves that it is not too late to pursue one’s dream even at 32. With his impressive credentials, Tiongson is no longer a stranger to the sport. A lot of PBA teams wanted to capitalize on Tiongson’s experience since showcasing his impressive play in the ASEAN Basketball League, starting with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Pilipinas. Tiongson came out of his retirement in 2021 to take another shot at a hoops career by suiting up for the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan before coming back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd William Jones Cup. The 6-foot-5 Filipino-American forward reaped the expectations of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as he boosts the team’s frontline when it comes not only to the offense but also to the defense.“I don't treat Caelan as a rookie anymore,” coach Yeng told Scoreline.ph. “He has played a lot. So, you know his mentality is like a veteran’s.”When asked regarding his experience under coach Yeng’s wing, Tiongson shared that he has been great so far and that his gameplay style is different from what he was used to. “This is the first time I've played this kind of style of basketball. I'm used to a slower style. So, he just preaches a lot of confidence,” said Tiongson. “Still getting used to it for sure. I have enjoyed playing for him. He wants to win, and that’s really what's important when I play for a coach.” 

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke their two-game skid, securing a crucial 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals series against the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Import Deon Thompson led the charge for Rain or Shine, delivering a double-double performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in over 44 minutes of action. His dominance in the paint and relentless effort on both ends of the floor helped RoS stay competitive throughout the game.Caelan Tiongson also played a vital role in the win, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Nocum, who started once again, showcased another impressive outing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.Supporting the trio was Anton Asistio, who chipped in 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac added nine points and was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all four of his attempts.