The Philippine Men’s National Football Team dominated Maldives, 4-1, in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers during their rainy Tuesday evening clash.Jefferson Tabinas scored the first goal in the 15th minute of the match, held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.A few minutes later, Bjorn Kristensen doubled the Philippines’ lead, making it 2-0 by the end of the first half.Entering the second half, Ali Fasir of Maldives found the net in the 62nd minute, narrowing the score to 2-1.In the following minutes, Randy Schneider made a spectacular debut, scoring in the 77th minute to extend the lead to 3-1. Later, in the 92nd minute, he assisted in setting up another goal. His first international goal provided the Philippines with a crucial cushion, securing the maximum three points in the final phase of the continental qualifiers."You can see it in the game—I felt good. The Philippines has welcomed me since day one, so I hope I can continue like this," Schneider said.Meanwhile, Sandro Reyes sealed the game at 4-1, scoring the final goal and carrying the hopes of Filipino football fans. His crucial contribution came when it mattered most.Coach Albert Capellas expressed his delight and satisfaction with the team's performance against Maldives.He emphasized the importance of winning to qualify, noting that starting strong in the tournament was essential."Job done. These are the types of games we need to win if we want to qualify. It's always important to start with a win. With the point advantage, we are on top, and we can't wait to face Tajikistan next," Capellas said.The PMNFT now holds a 1-0 record and will face Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Maldives again in the double-round robin format, which will conclude in March 2026.

Mapua swept College of St. Benilde in their best-of-three Finals series of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 100th Season.The Cardinals ended their 33-year title drought on Saturday, December 7, with a convincing 94-82 victory over the Benilde Blazers.It will also be a fitting gift for the university, which will mark its 100th year anniversary in January 2025.Mapua did not only sweep the Finals to establish their dominance of the collegiate league, they also went on a 12-0 blast, including a nine-game sweep in the second round of the eliminations.

Filipina wushu standout Agatha Wong captured bronze in the women’s taijijian at the 17th World Wushu Championships in Brasilia, Brazil, after delivering a strong performance that earned her 9.703 points. Wong, one of the country’s most decorated wushu athletes, placed behind Japan’s Shino Saito, who took home the gold, and Singapore’s Zeanne Law, who captured silver. The medal also marks a significant comeback for the five-time Southeast Asian Games champion who was eager to bounce back following her earlier setback at the Chengdu World Games.Meanwhile, the Philippines also celebrated other medalists: Carlos Baylon Jr. (silver, men’s sanda 56kg) and bronze medalists Russel Diaz (men’s sanda 52kg), Gideon Fred Padua (men’s sanda 60kg), Xander Alipio (men’s sanda 65kg), Jenifer Kilapio (women’s sanda 52kg), and Krisna Malecdan (women’s sanda 56kg).

Karl Eldrew Yulo showed resilience and heart as he delivered the Philippines’ first medal at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, bouncing back with a bronze in the floor exercise on Sunday at Newport World Resorts.Just a day after narrowly missing the podium in the all-around final, the 17-year-old Filipino star returned with renewed focus. Despite nursing a painful right ankle injury, Yulo powered through his routine and posted 13.733 points, securing a well-earned spot on the podium.Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion lauded Yulo’s performance but hopes he can move with less discomfort heading into Monday’s apparatus finals.“I hope by tomorrow his foot will be better. When you do the vault, you jump high, and you have to stick the landing,” Carrion said.Yulo’s bronze was the product of both calm execution and competitive composure. Performing second among the finalists, he established an early benchmark that held strong as the field progressed. The tension peaked when all-around champion Arsenii Dukhno took the final turn. Yulo watched anxiously, holding on to third place—and breathed relief as Dukhno finished with 13.633 points, just short of overtaking the Filipino.The medal marks a significant breakthrough for Yulo, who continues carving his path on the world stage while carrying the legacy of Filipino excellence in gymnastics.With two more apparatus finals ahead, Yulo remains hungry—and determined—to close the Junior Worlds on an even stronger note.

The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is underway, with Filipino athletes leaving it all on the field, striving not just for personal glory but also to bring pride and recognition to the Philippines in theirAs of August 14, Team Philippines has secured a total of three medals—two silvers and one bronze.

The San Miguel Beermen are seeking their second straight win under the guidance of the returning head coach Leo Austria.San Miguel returned to winning after Austria took over and brought in new import Torren Jones in their last game against the Terrafirma Dyip, 106-88.The multi-titled mentor was again called to take charge after disappointing losses to NLEX (99-104) and Rain or Shine (107-93) that followed a lackluster 107-103 come-from-behind opening win over Phoenix.Nine-time champion Austria was plucked from his consultant portfolio in January 2023 to take over from Jorge Gallent, who slid to consultant in the process.The Beermen will be facing the Blackwater Bossing, also seeking their second straight victory.

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.   

Karl Eldrew Yulo did not stop on the medal hunt after winning eight gold medals in the recently concluded 2024 Chiu Wai Chung Cup in Hong Kong.Yulo dominated the eight individual and team events. He first won the individual all-around before successively winning all six apparatuses: floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and still rings, which the junior men’s artistic gymnastics team relied on to lead the team event.Yulo's victory was part of the 14 gold, six silver, and five bronze medals that the Philippines will bring home from tournaments hosted by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in 2024.Yulo is currently being trained by Japanese gymnast coach Munehiro Kugemiya, who was the former coach of his older brother, Carlos Edriel "Caloy" Yulo, who won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics last August.Aside from Eldrew Yulo, the senior men's artistic gymnastics team also won the gold medal in the team event.Miguel Besana won three gold medals in the seniors individual all-around, floor exercise, and pommel horse, while Justine Ace De Leon led the way in the still rings and parallel bars mints.Besana also won three silver medals in the rings, parallel bars, and vault, and a bronze in the horizontal bar. De Leon also came home with a bronze in the vault.Among the other medalists are Hilarion Palles III for pommel horse bronze and parallel bars bronze, John Matthew Vergara for horizontal bar silver and parallel bars bronze, Jhon Romeo Santillan for floor exercise silver, and Jan Gwynn Timbang for pommel horse silver.

Defending champion National University (NU) displayed its trademark dominance once again, defeating Adamson University, 69–51, for its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.Coming off a commanding 95–58 rout of the UP Fighting Maroons last weekend, the Lady Bulldogs carried that same momentum into this matchup, seizing control early and never looking back.The duo of Karl Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab set the tone for NU’s offensive rhythm, combining for efficient scoring that helped the team establish a 43–23 halftime advantage. The Lady Falcons, despite showing spurts of fight, struggled to recover from the early onslaught. 

Creamline begins its title defense in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference without long-time playmaker Jia de Guzman, who has been ruled out just days before the opener. “Management has decided Jia is sitting this one out. So, she's not playing this conference," team captain Alyssa Valdez confirmed during Thursday’s press launch in Pasig.While no official reason was given, de Guzman is expected to focus on her leadership duties with Alas Pilipinas as they prepare for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. De Guzman will also dedicate the PVL Reinforced Conference to ball training and more intense strength and conditioning, aligning her "return to court" timeline with the Creamline Cool Smashers."Given her competition schedule the past few years, this is to help preserve the longevity of her playing career and avoid injury," the team said.The plan is for de Guzman to return to action for Creamline in the next conference, allowing her time to reintegrate after two seasons away. "With the goal of returning to action for Creamline in the next conference, everyone agreed that this period will also give her time to reintegrate herself back into the Creamline system after being gone for two seasons."Coach Sherwin Meneses noted the eight-time PVL Best Setter may wear the Creamline jersey again next year. "Si Jia talaga, talagang tested na sa mga games, so 'yung panghihinayang laging nandiyan 'yan. Big factor talaga kung makalaro si Jia, pero siguro 'di pa ngayon, siguro next year," Meneses said.The Cool Smashers, defending champions of the Reinforced Conference, are seeking redemption after missing the finals in the past two PVL tournaments and settling for bronze medals.The veteran setter last played for the Cool Smashers two years ago and is set to return in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans overcame a first-set loss by overcoming PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, January 23.The Flying Titans, who were tied at 17 points apiece in the fourth quarter, went on a 7-0 run led by Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s five points apiece.Erika Santos' crosscourt hit halted the High Speed Hitters' bleeding, but it was too late as Rondina's down-the-line kill, which Kath Arado was unable to block, sealed the win for Choco Mucho.As a result, the Flying Titans moved up to 5-3 for fourth place alone after defeating Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT despite missing the services of Kat Tolentino, who had surgery due to a ruptured appendix."Firstly, of course, we dedicate our victory to Kat, she is recovering now. I hope she recovers quickly and we can be together again," said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

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.

Wello Lingolingo saved the UE Red Warriors on Sunday night, October 6, by knocking down a game-winning buzzer beater jumper to take a thrilling 63-62 victory against Adamson Soaring Falcons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Lingolingo got a timely offensive board off a Nico Mulingtapang miss, then double-pumped in the air before taking a bank shot at the buzzer that sealed the game and extended the University of the East win streak to five games.UE finished the first round of eliminations with a 5-2 record to place solo third.

Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), will lead the nation's biggest-ever delegation to the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. As it prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, the Philippines hopes to obtain vital international exposure with 20 athletes competing in a variety of disciplines.Tolentino expressed confidence in the 19-member group, which is primarily made up of Filipino-foreigners from the Philippines who have acclimated well to winter circumstances and sports that aren't typically offered in the country.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters hiked its win streak to six, breaking into the top three of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with a masterful 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, February 4.Savi Davison was relentless, posting a match-high 26 points loaded with 23 kills to carry the High Speed Hitters past the Foxies to a 6-3 record.The Filipino-Canadian spiker also registered three blocks along with six excellent receptions. While Davison spearheaded PLDT’s offense, young setter Angge Alcantara orchestrated the plays and served as the catalyst with 12 excellent sets and four markers to earn Player of the Game honors.Despite the impressive outing, the High Speed Hitters should not lower their guards as head coach Rald Ricafort stressed the value of maintaining consistency as they move into the tournament's pivotal stage.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team earned a podium finish in the 2024 King’s Cup after defeating Tajikistan, 3-0, on Monday, October 14, at the Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand.Gerrit Holtmann (47') placed the nation on the scoreboard after the first half ended without a goal. Jefferson Tabinas (58') immediately followed with a 54th minute header from a corner, and Zico Bailey's goal in the 62nd minute sealed the victory for the Nationals, making it a 3-to-love score.The triumph marks the Philippines’ first podium place in the competition and their first win under Albert Capellas since he took over as head coach of the men’s national football team.

Kenneth Llover, one of the country’s brightest hopes for a world title, makes his much-awaited return after scoring back-to-back first-round knockout wins when he battles Panamanian two-division champion Luis Concepcion on 17 August at the Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.Coming off brutal wins over Japanese Tulio Dekanarudo and Keita Kurihara, Llover is looking at the Concepcion clash as a stepping stone towards a world title crack.“I am excited to fight in front of my kababayans again. Luis Concepcion is a warrior; he is aggressive and experienced. I expect him to bring the fight. This is going to be an explosive night,” said Llover. Concepcion paraded a 40-11 mark with 29 knockouts, and promoter Gerry Penalosa, also a two-division world champion like the Central American puncher, believes the Cavite-based Llover, nicknamed “Lover Boy,” will be in for a rough ride.“Concepcion is the most decorated foe yet for Llover. He brings a wealth of experience with over 50 fights. This fight will show how ready is for the next level. Fans can’t miss this one,” Penalosa said.Penalosa is teaming up with Kameda Promotions to stage a mouth-watering showdown on local soil, with the boxing outfit’s chief Koki Kameda arriving to watch the action.Owing to his sensational performances in Japan, Llover is highly ranked by The Ring magazine.    

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters staged a late fourth quarter rampage, delivering the first blow against the Magnolia Hotshots on their opening duel of the best-of-five quarterfinal series on Wednesday, September 25, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Head coach Yeng Guiao is donning a daunting task of empowering the Elasto Painters, helmed by the young guns and veterans working harmoniously to establish themselves as formidable contenders ready to challenge prominent teams of the league. For coach Guiao, the players’ playoff experiences are what situates themselves in a inauspicious position as the team is paced by hot-blooded youths, however, their hard work is something one should not question about. 

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.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is moving closer to enforcing a complete ban on transgender women competing in female events, signaling a major shift in Olympic policy.Under the leadership of newly elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, the organization aims to establish a unified global framework to “protect the integrity of the female category” across all sports. A move that could take effect within the next six to twelve months, in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.Previously, individual federations were allowed to set their own inclusion rules, but Coventry is pushing for consistency, citing scientific reviews highlighting the long-term physical advantages of being born male.The potential policy is also expected to align with the stance of the U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order barring transgender women from competing in female sports.However, the IOC continues to face internal debate over how to handle athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), those reported female at birth but with male chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels.