National University Lady Bulldogs prevail over Ateneo Lady Blue Eagles, 82-62, to make their perfect winning record intact in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, October 13, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The 20-point outburst of NU was led by rookie Cielo Pagdulagan who contributed with 16 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals, including a +27 rating coming off the bench. She also didn’t commit a single turnover.NU head coach Aris Dimaunhan said that the one week break that they have between the first and second round helped them prepare for this particular game as they had been given a lot of time to process and lay down their game plan.The Lady Bulldogs also capitalized the absence of Ateneo’s leading player Junzie Calago, who fouled early in the third period where they also erected their largest lead at 56-34.Aloha Betanio and May Canuto also scored 11 markers each to supplement the game of their prized-rookie Pagdulagan.On the other hand, Kacey Dela Rosa led Ateneo with her eight consecutive double-doubles by producing 22 points and 17 boards.NU will put their unblemished record on the line once again on October 20 when they face the UP Fighting Maroons at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, while the Blue Eagles will try to end their two-game losing skid against the reigning Season 86 champions UST Growling Tigresses at their own turf on October 19.

Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham has decided to retire from playing basketball to spend more time with his family.This was confirmed by Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo, during the send off party given by his team. “AD has decided to retire and he just feels it’s the right time. He wants to spend time with his children,” said Trillo.The Meralco Bolts head coach believes that the participation of Durham in the team was  considered a big part in turning the Meralco Bolts into what it is today. The Bolts coach also believes that their losses in this conference laid the foundations for their team to become stable and strong in their next journey.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) held an uplifting ceremony today at the PSC Conference Room, housed within the iconic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, marking a spectacular celebration of female sports success. The occasion brought together more than 70 well-known female athletes to celebrate their accomplishments and contributions.The athletes were presented with commemorative rings during the ceremony, which was facilitated by Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, who is in charge of the PSC’s Women-in-Sports programs. This event came after the first-ever Women in Sports Awards Night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum earlier this year.The ceremony featured prominent athletes such as Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who was awarded the coveted Flame Award last March, Adeline Dumapong, the country’s first Paralympic medalist, Long Jump Queen Elma Muros-Posadas, and Janelle Mae Frayna, the only woman grandmaster in the Philippines.

The debuts of Alas Pilipinas standouts Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, as well as the return of Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, as likely to add to the excitement surrounding the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, which kicks off on Saturday, November 9, at the Philsports Arena.After being selected first by ZUS Coffee in the league’s historic rookie draft earlier this year, Gagate will finally be able to play as a professional, while Coronel, the third overall pick, will also make her professional debut with Galeries Tower. Due to their national team obligations, Gagate and Coronel missed the league’s first two conferences this season.

Seasoned players Mike Phillips of De La Salle University Green Archers and Camille Clarin of National University Bulldogs both delivered outstanding performances for their teams in the final stretch of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments.As both teams continued to compete for their respective titles, Phillips and Clarin contributed crucial assistance for their respective teams, which resulted in them being awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Players of the Week award for the period of November 3–10.After a fiercely contested poll, Phillips defeated Mo Konateh of FEU, AJ Fransman of Adamson, and Nic Cabañero of UST to win the weekly prize.With an average of 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks during DLSU's 2-0 week, the 6-foot-8 forward was the most popular pick among reporters in the men's tournament.In a hard-fought 58-53 victory over FEU, Phillips filled the void left by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao on a rare off night. He finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, five steals, and two blocks.“I’m just so happy with my role that coach [Topex Robinson] gave me," said Phillips, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the final quarter against the Tamaraws."I just try to be one of the leaders on the defense and the energy, and a lot of times I still struggle with my offensive end, and sometimes too much energy, and it’s not channeled the right way, but that’s why I trust in my teammates,” he added.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will make history as they feature the first ever Finals match-up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The Pampanga Giant Lanterns that swept the North Division playoff round will face the South Division champions Quezon Huskers that only lost one game in their own playoff bracket.Game 1 of the best-of-five Finals series will begin on December 1 at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdam Indoor in Dubai at 7:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (11:00 PM Philippine Time), while Game 2 will be on December 3, same tip-off time at the same venue.During the playoffs, Pampanga averaged 79.3 points, 55.5 rebounds, 21.8 assists, 7.5 steals, and 4.3 blocks in six games, while Quezon averaged 75.1 markers, 44.1 boards, 20.0 dimes, 7.6 deflections, and 2.9 rejections in seven games.The two teams' numbers were almost identical except that the Giant Lanterns dominated the rebounding department but also turned the ball over a lot times that the Huskers could take advantage of.Pampanga’s prized center Justine Baltazar will once again be the focal point of the Giant Lanterns offense but he will not be alone to carry the load for their squad.

Choco Mucho defeated Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 26-24, 26-28, 25-9, to record its second consecutive victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, November 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.Choco Mucho launched an 8-1 blitz to start the fourth frame after an unsuccessful attempt to rally in the third set. Dindin Santiago-Manabat's cross-court kill would give the Flying Titans their largest advantage, 24-7.Luth Malaluan's swift attack in the middle would then seal the victory.

A discus thrower from Masbate bagged her first gold medal in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships that started in Puerto Princesa on Sunday, November 24.Courtney Jewel Trangia registered a heave of 38.30-meters in the girls' division at the Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex to secure her third consecutive title in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.The said competition in the girls’ discus throw event proved her continuing dominant streak after winning the same event at the Philippine Athletics Championships in Pasig last April. Despite bagging the gold medal, Trangia said she was not satisfied with her performance as she was aiming to throw over 40 meters. Also, this is her last Batang Pinoy and she’s happy that she set a new record in this national sporting event. “I’m overjoyed to win the first gold medal in this year’s Batang Pinoy National Championship,” said Trangia, a Grade 11 student from the Masbate Sports Academy (MSA).“This is my last Batang Pinoy, so I am sad and happy that I will leave this new record here,” Trangia added.  

Bahrain will take the lead in hosting the 3rd Asian Youth Games in 2025. The decision was reached during the Olympic Council of Asia or OCA's Executive Board Meeting, following the cancellation of the event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan."The Olympic Council of Asia announces that the 3rd Asian Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will be held in Bahrain in 2025. The decision was made at a meeting of the organization's executive committee held today, December 2," the OCA stated.

Few months before the start of the 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's volleyball tournament, Dr. Obet Vital filed his resignation as the head coach of UE women's volleyball team last Tuesday, December 10. Although for Dr. Vital, it was a tough decision he made, but there are things beyond their  control. According to the chief tactician of the Recto-based volleyball squad, there were differences in vision, particularly regarding the program of development, especially in grassroots initiatives, and the long-term direction of the team. Also, the approach is not maintained and no longer aligned. 

The University of the Philippines (UP) capped off the UAAP Season 87 first round with crucial victories in both men’s and women’s volleyball, overcoming Adamson University’s standout performances at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

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.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters came out victorious at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Wednesday, May 8, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, to boost their campaign in PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.NLEX stretched its winning streak to four games with a hard-fought 89-86 win over Barangay Ginebra, surviving a fourth-quarter scare led by Gin Kings guard Stephen Holt.Despite playing with a bruised quadriceps, Robert Bolick still led the Road Warriors with 28 points on an efficient 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc, while adding seven rebounds and four assists. He even delivered timely baskets in the last two minutes of the game to secure their 89-86 victory against the Kings.Xyrus Torres hit the go-ahead triple to give NLEX an 87-86 lead with under a minute remaining. Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas also scored in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively, although Ramirez exited early due to a suspected dislocated jaw after an accidental hit from Jamie Malonzo.The Road Warriors improved to 4-1, while Ginebra dropped to an even 2-2 record.Holt finished with 21 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter alone to pace Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson added 20. Ginebra had a chance to win it in the closing seconds, but missed its final two attempts from the field.

Defying age and expectations, the 105-year-old Sawang Janpram of Thailand made headlines last Sunday by winning two gold medals at the 2025 World Masters Games. Competing in the 100+ age group, he claimed first place in both the men’s javelin and 100-meter dash.Sawang was the sole competitor in both events, recording a javelin throw of 10.55 meters and finishing the 100-meter sprint in 38.55 seconds.Sawang began his regular exercise at age 80, inspired by a close friend who became bedridden and by his daughter, whose health dramatically improved through physical activity.He is a retired schoolteacher and former elementary school principal, Sawang is determined not to follow the same path as his immobile friend. Instead, he embraced an active lifestyle that would later take him to global sporting events.He started competing internationally at age 97 and credits the experience not only with enhancing his health but also with helping him build friendships across the world.“Next, I hope to compete in more countries and eventually become a world champion. Staying active keeps me alive and connected,” Sawang said.Sawang’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and the lifelong value of movement—no matter your age.

World No. 4 pole vaulter and Olympic qualifier EJ Obiena has announced a historic milestone for Philippine athletics: the country will host its first-ever World Athletics-sanctioned pole vault competition this coming September.Titled the ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’, the landmark event will take place on September 20–21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.This international meet signals a major step forward in putting the Philippines on the global map as a capable host of elite track and field competitions.Obiena shared that the competition will feature top-tier international pole vaulters, many of whom will be fresh from the World Championships—ensuring a high level of performance and excitement for local spectators.“This is more than a competition—it’s a message to the world that the Philippines is ready to be part of the global athletics stage,” said Obiena.Beyond showcasing world-class action, the event also aims to inspire young Filipinos to consider careers in athletics—particularly in pole vaulting, a discipline where Obiena has earned international recognition and brought pride to the nation.The ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’ forms part of Obiena’s ongoing advocacy to broaden the sport’s reach in the Philippines.Set against the urban greenery of Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens, the competition promises not only thrilling sport but also a celebration of Filipino talent—and a call to action to develop stronger grassroots programs that will support future generations of athletes.

Cebuana golfer Denise Mendoza made a splash in the opening round of the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship, dominating the girls’ 7-10 division on Wednesday, July 10, in Davao City.What started as a tight contest quickly turned into a showcase of her talent. The 10-year-old prodigy unleashed a remarkable six-birdie streak starting at No. 10 at the South Pacific Golf and Residential Estates, firing an impressive 64 to seize control of the leaderboard.Despite a rollercoaster nine—marked by three birdies and three bogeys under humid and overcast skies—Mendoza found her rhythm after the turn. She lit up the back nine with birdies on holes 10 through 15, displaying exceptional precision and composure beyond her years.“I was surprised – I really didn’t expect to score this low, especially on a course I’ve never played before,” said Mendoza, who credited her calm mindset to her father’s advice: "Stay calm and stick to the basics, especially when you hit a bad shot or things start to go wrong."“Most of the time, my approach shots left me with easy birdie chances – usually within five feet. That meant I didn’t need to make a lot of long putts. I’ll just play exactly the same way,” added the Cebu Learning Center student.

Kevin Quiambao has returned to the Gilas Pilipinas lineup after spending a month in the United States pursuing his NBA aspirations. The former UAAP MVP was back at national team practice at The Upper Deck in Pasig City this Monday, July 21, as Gilas ramps up preparations for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.Quiambao trained in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas throughout July. Although he didn’t secure a spot in the NBA Summer League, he participated in a private scrimmage organized by Excel Sports Management, attended by NBA scouts and executives.Now in peak condition, Quiambao wasted no time rejoining Gilas as the squad continues its buildup for the continental tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17.Joining Quiambao in the latest practice were Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, Chris Newsome, and Jamie Malonzo.June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana are expected to return to training after the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, where San Miguel currently holds a 3-1 lead over TNT.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has become the latest major sports body to update its policy on transgender athlete participation, joining several other organizations that have clarified or altered their rules this year. Here’s a summary of the most prominent changes:US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC)The USOPC now effectively bars transgender women from competing in women’s sports, citing an obligation to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order. The USOPC oversees around 50 national governing bodies, potentially prompting rule changes at local club levels to maintain membership.International Cycling UnionEarlier this month, cycling’s global governing body banned transgender women who transitioned after male puberty from women’s races. This came after American rider Austin Killips became the first openly transgender woman to win an official cycling event in May.University of PennsylvaniaThe university modified three women’s swimming records previously held by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas, settling a federal civil rights investigation and restoring records to female athletes. Thomas, who won an NCAA title in 2022, was at the center of the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict transgender participation in women’s sports.World AquaticsSwimming’s governing body announced a policy in June allowing only transgender athletes who transitioned before age 12 to compete in women’s events. They are also exploring an “open competition” category for the future.World Boxing OrganizationIn May, World Boxing mandated sex testing for all athletes in sanctioned events, referencing scrutiny around Olympic champion Imane Khelif and other elite boxers whose eligibility had been questioned.British SportsFollowing a UK Supreme Court ruling in April, the governing bodies for soccer in England and Scotland banned transgender women from women’s teams, while the England and Wales Cricket Board imposed a similar ban.World Athletics CouncilIn March, track and field’s governing body barred transgender women who underwent male puberty from international competition. New regulations on athletes with differences in sex development, such as Caster Semenya, now require six months of hormone suppression before eligibility.US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)The NCAA announced in February that women’s sports would be limited to athletes assigned female at birth, enforcing the rule immediately after Trump’s executive order. The NCAA governs over 1,100 schools and 500,000 athletes.High School SportsNebraska became the latest state in June to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports, joining at least 24 other states with similar policies. The federal government and several states have clashed over such participation rules.These policy changes reflect a global trend toward more restrictive eligibility standards for transgender athletes, often citing fairness and safety in women’s sports.

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

Alex Eala is taking a well-deserved break following a demanding run across the clay, grass, and hard court seasons.The 20-year-old Filipina tennis star recently shared a seaside photo on Instagram with the caption, “Is this what they call eurosummer?”Her break comes at a crucial time, after requiring a medical timeout during her first-round match against Markéta Vondroušová at the National Bank Open in Montreal.This rest period will allow Eala to recover and prepare for her next major appearance at the US Open in New York.To prioritize her recovery, Eala and her team have decided she will skip both the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey, Mexico.As a result, she is expected to slide in the WTA rankings due to missing out on potential points from these events. Meanwhile, the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.