Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • Puerto Princesa to host two international WTT tournaments in September

    Puerto Princesa to host two international WTT tournaments in September

    The Philippines is taking another step toward establishing itself as a major destination for international sporting events, with Puerto Princesa City set to host two prestigious table tennis tournaments next month.

     

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been working to encourage regional centers and provinces across the country to improve their sports facilities and infrastructure, with the goal of bringing more international competitions outside Metro Manila.

     

    That push will get another boost in September when Puerto Princesa hosts the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender Series from September 3 to 6, followed by the WTT Feeder Series from September 8 to 12 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

     

     

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    The two tournaments are expected to attract athletes from around 20 countries, providing Filipino players with a rare opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best table tennis athletes on home soil.

     

    The Philippines will field the largest delegation, with 60 athletes expected to see action across the two events. Leading the local contingent will be rising star Kheith Rhynne Cruz, who will look to make the most of the opportunity to compete against international opposition.

     

    Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma believes hosting events of this magnitude in the country provides significant benefits for Filipino athletes, particularly by allowing them to gain international experience without the added expense of traveling abroad.

     

    “Hosting an international event here in our country is a huge help. First, because we can minimize costs, and at the same time, we get to compete against world-class players,” Ledesma said during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

    “They get to experience a world-class event and world-class players. That’s why, compared to the past, our players today aren’t fazed by their opponents or the massive venues anymore—they are already at ease,” he added.

     

    The WTT Youth Contender Series will feature players from Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, the United States, Oman, Brunei and Slovakia.

     

    The field for the WTT Feeder Series will likewise feature a strong international contingent, with athletes from Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Oman, Brunei, Slovakia and Indonesia expected to participate.

     

    For Puerto Princesa, the tournaments represent another opportunity to showcase the city not only as a tourism destination but also as an emerging sports hub in the Philippines.

     

    City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria said the city has seen the benefits of hosting major sporting events, with international competitions bringing athletes, officials and visitors to the province while also increasing its exposure on the global stage.

     

    Puerto Princesa has previously hosted major sporting events, including Batang Pinoy, the BIMP-EAGA Games, the Ironman Triathlon and the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

     

    “We saw that these sports would bring life to our city. When international athletes visit us, we are recognized not only in the Philippines but throughout the world,” Austria said.

     

    The upcoming WTT tournaments are expected to provide another boost to that growing reputation.

     

    Beyond giving Filipino table tennis players the chance to test themselves against international competition, the events also highlight the potential of provincial cities to host competitions of global standards.

     

    With the PSC, PTTF and local governments continuing to invest in sports infrastructure and event hosting, Puerto Princesa’s September tournaments could serve as another important step in the Philippines’ push to become a regular host of international sporting events.

     

     

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  • PSC backs Lanao del Norte’s grassroots sports push

    PSC backs Lanao del Norte’s grassroots sports push

    Lanao del Norte is stepping up its grassroots sports development efforts as the province looks to strengthen its training programs, improve athlete welfare and upgrade sports facilities with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

     

    The Northern Mindanao province is also exploring the possibility of hosting the Mindanao Games in 2027, while working with the PSC on plans for a regional training center that could provide young athletes with better access to quality facilities and coaching.

     

    The initiatives are in line with the PSC’s renewed push to make grassroots development the foundation of the country’s sports program and build a stronger pipeline of athletes capable of competing at the national and international levels.

     

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    The PSC and the National Youth Commission held a two-day Sports Summit in Lanao del Norte from July 28 to 29, bringing together local officials, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen sports development at the community level.


    “With the support of national partners and local leaders, this summit serves a clear purpose: ensuring our youth leaders and athletes have a say in shaping future sports programs, strengthening grassroots training, coaching, and athlete welfare across every municipality, using sports as a driving force for peace, health, character development, and unity,” Vice Governor Allan J. Lim said.


    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the commission is placing greater emphasis on identifying and developing athletes at the grassroots level, rather than focusing solely on athletes who have already reached the national or international stage.


    “The number one job of the Philippine Sports Commission now is grassroots. Before, people thought that PSC only comes in when an athlete wins in the Olympics or the Asian Games. But now, we are going down to the grassroots level,” Gregorio said.


    Gregorio also expressed the PSC’s full support for Lanao del Norte’s potential bid to host the Mindanao Games in March 2027.


    “Let’s organize the Mindanao Games and you can host it in March 2027. We will support you through funding from the Philippine Sports Commission,” he said.


    The Sports Summit also featured experts from the PSC, National Academy of Sports and Department of Social Welfare and Development, who shared their knowledge and experiences with young athletes, coaches and sports administrators.


    For local coaches, the event provided an opportunity to gain valuable insights while giving young athletes a glimpse of what could be possible with the right support and development pathway.


    “I was very happy that they came because it gives our young athletes a chance. My dream is for one of my gymnasts to be recognized and someday follow in the footsteps of Carlos Yulo,” said Miguelito De Vera, a gymnastics coach at Linamon National High School.


    As part of its grassroots initiative, the PSC also distributed sports equipment to local government units and schools, including badminton rackets, basketballs, footballs and volleyballs.

    The effort is aimed at giving young athletes greater access to the basic equipment they need to train, compete and develop their skills.


    With expanded grassroots programs, improved facilities and the potential to host the Mindanao Games, Lanao del Norte is positioning itself as an emerging hub for sports development in Mindanao.


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  • OKC’s Cason Wallace reveals what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a superstar

    OKC’s Cason Wallace reveals what makes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a superstar

    Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself among the NBA’s elite, with his back-to-back Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards serving as the clearest indication of just how dominant he has become.

     

    For Thunder guard Cason Wallace, however, Gilgeous-Alexander’s greatness is about more than his numbers, accolades or ability to take over games.

     

    Wallace has had a front-row seat to Gilgeous-Alexander’s rise since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2023. After being acquired by the Thunder in a draft-night trade, Wallace quickly became an important part of the team’s rotation, developing a reputation as a reliable two-way guard and one of Oklahoma City’s most dependable young players.

     

     

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    Over his first three seasons, Wallace has frequently operated as the Thunder’s unofficial sixth starter, providing defensive intensity, perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking whenever he steps onto the floor.

     

    With Luguentz Dort departing for the Atlanta Hawks during the offseason, Wallace could now have an even bigger role to play. The 23-year-old guard is expected to have an opportunity to push for a starting spot, which could give him even more time alongside Gilgeous-Alexander.

     

    If that opportunity comes, Wallace knows exactly who he wants to learn from.

     

    Speaking on the Cousins podcast with NBA legends Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter, Wallace opened up about what separates Gilgeous-Alexander from other elite players and highlighted the two-time MVP’s remarkable confidence and mentality.

     

    “His confidence and his self-talk are unmatched,” Wallace said.

     

    The young guard explained that Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to respond to missed shots and mistakes is one of the most impressive aspects of his game.

     

    “If you miss a shot or if something doesn’t go your way, how do you respond? His response is like, ‘I gotta keep doing that. I don’t care how many times I have missed it. I’m going to keep shooting it until I make it.’ It’s in the game. It’s crazy, bro,” Wallace added.

    That mentality has become a defining characteristic of Gilgeous-Alexander’s game.

     

    The Thunder star has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, averaging more than 30 points per game in consecutive seasons. Few players in league history have been able to sustain that level of scoring production, particularly while remaining efficient and playing within the flow of an offense.

     

    What makes Gilgeous-Alexander even more difficult to defend, according to Wallace, is how efficiently he gets his numbers.

     

    Unlike some high-volume scorers who dominate the ball and require a significant portion of their team’s possessions to produce, Gilgeous-Alexander can reach elite scoring totals without completely taking the offense away from his teammates.

     

    That balance has been particularly beneficial for the Thunder, allowing other young stars and developing scorers to thrive alongside him.

     

    Players such as Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell have continued to develop their offensive games while sharing the floor with Gilgeous-Alexander, a testament to the superstar’s ability to lead without monopolizing the basketball.

     

    Wallace also pointed to Gilgeous-Alexander’s personality away from the court as another reason why he commands so much respect inside the Thunder locker room.

     

    “The fact he doesn’t take advantage of that as much as other people might. Very humble. Off the court, great guy. Nothing bad you can say about him,” Wallace said.

     

    For Wallace, playing alongside a player of Gilgeous-Alexander’s caliber represents an invaluable learning opportunity.

     

    The Thunder have built their championship aspirations around their young core, but Gilgeous-Alexander remains the centerpiece of that group. His ability to score at an elite level while creating opportunities for teammates has made him one of the most difficult players in the league to contain.

     

    Now, as Wallace potentially takes on a larger role in Oklahoma City, he will have an even greater opportunity to absorb lessons from the reigning MVP.

     

    And if Wallace can adopt even a portion of Gilgeous-Alexander’s confidence, resilience and approach to the game, the Thunder could have another important piece ready to take a significant step forward.

     

     

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  • Philippine Rowing Federation taps three overseas talents for future success

    Philippine Rowing Federation taps three overseas talents for future success

    The Philippines’ national sports federations have increasingly turned to foreign-based Filipino athletes in their bid to strengthen national teams, expand the country’s talent pool and make a bigger impact on the international stage.

     

    The Philippine rowing federation is the latest to embrace that approach, welcoming three promising young athletes with Filipino heritage as it looks to build a stronger pipeline for the future.

     

    New Zealand-based Ross Llaneta, American-born Enzo Santos and Canada-based Jesu Matteo Manalo have joined the Philippine rowing national team program, with the three young rowers all born overseas to Filipino parents.

     

     

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    Llaneta, 15, and Santos and Manalo, both 17, have been training in Manila for the past three weeks as they familiarize themselves with the national team setup and prepare for their first major international assignment representing the Philippines.

     

    The trio recently appeared at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room, where they spoke about their experiences and their aspirations with the national team.

     

    Their immediate target is the Asian Under-19 Championships in India, scheduled for December 1 to 7. The young rowers are currently undergoing intensive training under national team head coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich as they work toward earning a place in the Philippine delegation.

     

    Although they will return to their respective countries after their current training stint, the three athletes are expected to remain part of the federation’s long-term plans as it continues to develop a wider pool of Filipino rowing talent.

     

    Tsekhanovich believes the young rowers have already shown encouraging progress since arriving in the Philippines, while stressing the importance of using data and consistent monitoring to track their development.

    “We have our targets and we are working hard. They are improving every day, every row. We all dream big together – one dream. But we will track their performances through GPS,” Tsekhanovich said.

     

    The inclusion of foreign-based athletes represents another avenue for the Philippine rowing federation to discover talent beyond the country’s traditional grassroots system.

     

    With rowing requiring years of technical development, physical conditioning and international-level experience, the federation sees the addition of young Filipino athletes from overseas as an opportunity to establish a deeper talent pool that can eventually compete at major regional and global events.

     

    The program also aligns with the Philippine Sports Commission’s renewed emphasis on grassroots development and talent identification. Rather than waiting for athletes to emerge at the senior level, the PSC has been pushing national sports associations to identify promising athletes at a much earlier stage and provide them with the necessary training and support.

     

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, who has made grassroots development one of the commission’s priorities, welcomed the arrival of the three young rowers and believes their inclusion could be a significant step forward for Philippine rowing.

     

    “Our search for rowing talents continues. These are stunning, positive developments for Philippine rowing,” Gregorio said.

     

    For Llaneta, Santos and Manalo, the opportunity represents more than simply competing in international rowing. It is also a chance to reconnect with their Filipino heritage and represent a country that their families continue to call home.

     

    Their presence gives the Philippines another potential pathway toward developing athletes capable of competing against the best in Asia.

     

    At just 15 and 17 years old, the three rowers are still at the beginning of their competitive careers. But with the national federation investing in their development and the PSC backing a broader search for Filipino talent, the trio could form part of the next generation of athletes carrying the Philippine flag in international rowing.

     

    For now, their focus is on training, improving their performances and earning the chance to compete at the Asian Under-19 Championships later this year.

     

    And with the Philippine rowing program continuing to look beyond its traditional talent base, Llaneta, Santos and Manalo could be the latest young athletes to help shape the country’s future on the water.

     

     

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  • TNT’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser emotional after accidental collision injures NLEX import DeQuan Jones

    TNT’s Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser emotional after accidental collision injures NLEX import DeQuan Jones

    The NLEX Road Warriors continued their dominant run in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, but their latest victory came at a heavy cost.

     

    NLEX defeated the TNT Tropang 5G, 118-111, on Tuesday, August 11, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to further cement its status as one of the conference’s top teams. However, the Road Warriors’ impressive performance was overshadowed by a gruesome right leg injury suffered by import DeQuan Jones in the third quarter.

     

    Jones was having another productive outing for NLEX before the unfortunate incident with 7:27 remaining in the third period.

     

     

     

     

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    The veteran import landed awkwardly after a play and his right leg was inadvertently caught underneath him following a collision with TNT center Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser. Jones immediately went down in pain as players from both teams rushed toward him.

     

    Medical personnel quickly attended to Jones and placed him on a stretcher before carrying him out of the arena. He was subsequently transported to a hospital by ambulance for further evaluation.

     

    The injury visibly affected players from both teams, particularly Ganuelas-Rosser, who was visibly emotional following the incident. The TNT big man appeared shaken by the collision and was later consoled by NLEX veteran Kevin Alas after the game.

     

    Ganuelas-Rosser stressed after the contest that the incident was purely accidental and expressed his concern for Jones, whom he said he deeply respects.

    “You don’t want to be labeled like a dirty player or that I did that on purpose. He is someone that I look up to, and he is someone that I have nothing but admiration for. And I don’t want anything like that to happen,” Ganuelas-Rosser said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The 32-year-old center also revealed that he and Jones had spoken before the game, describing the NLEX import as a friendly person away from the court.

     

    “DeQuan’s a nice import, good person, so I’m just hoping for the best. It’s part of the game, but it’s hard for that to happen,” Ganuelas-Rosser added.

     

    Jones had been one of NLEX’s most important players throughout the Governors’ Cup and was once again making his presence felt before the injury. He finished with 23 points, four rebounds and one assist, helping the Road Warriors maintain control of the game and eventually secure the seven-point victory.

     

    His absence in the second half left a noticeable void for NLEX, which had relied heavily on his scoring, athleticism and ability to create opportunities on both ends of the floor.

     

    Despite the emotional turn of events, the Road Warriors managed to hold off TNT and preserve their winning momentum. The victory further strengthened NLEX’s position at the top of the Governors’ Cup standings and underscored the team’s depth and resilience.

     

    But for the Road Warriors, the final buzzer was accompanied by concern rather than celebration.

    After the game, NLEX players gathered around the court and offered a prayer for Jones, a poignant scene that reflected the gravity of the injury and the close bond within the team.

     

    Jones’ condition and the extent of his injury are expected to become clearer following his medical evaluation. For NLEX, the immediate concern now shifts from its impressive winning streak to the health and recovery of its star import.

     

    The Road Warriors may have walked away with another crucial victory, but the night ultimately belonged to Jones—and to the hope that their standout import can make a full and speedy recovery.

     

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  • Alex Eala thanks Filipinos for unforgettable Toronto experience

    Alex Eala thanks Filipinos for unforgettable Toronto experience

    Alex Eala’s rapid rise on the international tennis circuit continues to draw attention, with the Filipina star earning praise from some of the biggest names and influential figures in Philippine sports.

     

    At just 21, Eala has established herself as one of the brightest young talents in world tennis, building on an impressive junior career with a steady ascent on the WTA Tour.

     

    Her journey has been marked by patience, determination and a series of historic achievements, further cementing her status as one of the Philippines’ most prominent athletes.

     

     

     

     

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    Eala’s first Canadian Open campaign, however, came to an end in the round of 16 after she fell 6-4, 6-2 to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic.

     

    Despite the defeat, Eala made a lasting impression in Toronto, where Filipino supporters turned out in force to cheer her on. The city was swept up in “Eala-mania,” with Filipino fans filling the stands and Philippine cuisine even making an appearance at food concessions around the venue.

     

    Following her loss, Eala took to social media to thank the fans who supported her throughout her memorable debut in Toronto.

    “Beyond thankful for all the love and kind messages received from people all around the world but especially the Filipinos. I knew it was the last time that I was gonna be out on that court for a while. It’s hard to describe to other people the feeling of being in that stadium full of the fans and all the love,” Eala wrote.

     

    “I’m super grateful for the experiences that I have had here in Toronto. It’s been an amazing debut. So, yeah, I will carry these memories with me for a really long time,” she added.

     

    Eala also credited the Filipino community for helping shine a spotlight on the country, saying the support she received in Toronto reflected the pride and unity of Filipinos around the world.

     

    “I am kind of just like a drop in the ocean when it comes to Filipinos and their pride for their culture and where they come from. Me, I do a lot to kind of represent my country and I’m very proud of it,” Eala said.

     

    “But you see, I mean, the stadium was full of people who do the same thing, right? I guess that just shows you what kind of community we are and what kind of a people we are and how supportive we are of each other.”

     

    Eala’s popularity has also caught the attention of tournament organizers, with the Filipina quickly becoming one of the Canadian Open’s biggest crowd draws.

     

    Canadian Open tournament director Karl Hale described Eala as an “absolute blessing” not only for the event but for tennis as a whole, highlighting the impact she has had in bringing new fans and energy to the tournament.

     

    While her Canadian Open run ended earlier than she would have hoped, Eala’s debut in Toronto showed that her influence extends well beyond her results on the court—and that “Eala-mania” is only beginning.

     

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  • Bennie Boatwright ruled out of Asian Games as Gilas Pilipinas suffers major blow

    Bennie Boatwright ruled out of Asian Games as Gilas Pilipinas suffers major blow

    Gilas Pilipinas has suffered a major blow ahead of the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with head coach Tim Cone confirming that naturalization prospect Bennie Boatwright will miss the tournament.

     

    Cone made the announcement during an appearance on Power and Play, the sports program hosted by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala, revealing that Boatwright will not receive his Philippine naturalization papers in time for the Asian Games.

     

    “Bennie is out there, he won’t be able to play in either tournament,” Cone said.

     

     

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    The 30-year-old forward could also miss the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines are scheduled to host Jordan and Iraq in August.

     

    “There is a slight possibility he could play in the window, the FIBA tournament with Iran and Jordan,” Cone said.

    “The Asian Games is obviously the tournament in Japan but Bennie won’t be available because his papers didn’t come in time. Japan has stricken him in the list. But there is a slight possibility he can make it for the window.”

     

    While Boatwright’s absence is a setback, Cone received some positive news regarding another key piece of the Gilas lineup.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee is expected to suit up for both the FIBA window and the Asian Games, provided he is fully healthy by then.

     

    “We expect Justin to play on that. Assuming he is 100 percent. By that time, so basically, Justin for the FIBA window, and Justin for the Asian Games,” Cone said.

     

    Brownlee’s availability will be closely monitored after the veteran forward dealt with several injuries in recent months, including issues involving his knee, leg and hamstring that have limited his playing time for Gilas.

     

    Cone will have to manage two different Gilas squads for the two competitions, with Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao unavailable for the Asian Games because of their commitments to clubs in Japan and South Korea.

     

    Despite the personnel challenges, the Philippines will enter the Asian Games as the defending champions after ending a 57-year wait for the men’s basketball gold medal with their triumph at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

     

    With Boatwright out and several key players unavailable, Cone will now have to find the right combination to defend the Philippines’ Asian Games crown in Nagoya.

     

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  • Burke Toews ready to build Gilas Pilipinas Women into Asian powerhouse

    Burke Toews ready to build Gilas Pilipinas Women into Asian powerhouse

    Veteran coach Burke Toews has taken the reins of the Philippine women’s national basketball team, with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) hoping his experience can help elevate the country’s program into one of Asia’s best.

     

    Toews arrives in the Philippines after more than a decade of building one of Japan’s premier women’s basketball programs. He most recently led the Fujitsu Red Wave to back-to-back titles before accepting the Gilas Pilipinas Women head coaching job.

     

    The 60-year-old coach said he took on the challenge because he believes there is more he wants to accomplish in the latter stages of his career—beyond simply adding more championships to his résumé.

     

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    “I really felt strongly that at this stage in my career, I still had some personal goals that were more than just championships,” Toews said in a recent media session.

     

    Toews believes Gilas Pilipinas Women have the potential to become one of Asia’s elite teams, but he stressed that his approach will not be a carbon copy of what he built in Japan.

    While he plans to draw from his extensive experience in the Japanese basketball system, Toews said the Philippines must develop its own identity around the strengths of its players.

     

    “We are using them, I won’t say as a blueprint. I don’t want to say that we can just bring what Japan does to the Filipino national team. You should not copy someone completely because you lose the essence of the players that you are coaching and what they do well,” Toews said.

     

    “I thought that the Philippines women’s had a really high ceiling. Not just because of what happened in the last few years with coach Pat Aquino and the success they had, but if things could be changed, not just on the court, but off the court, I thought that the Philippines could really get to the top tier and be a perennial contender.”

     

    Toews’ first major test will come in the upcoming FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where he will have several of the Philippines’ top talents at his disposal.

     

    Among the potential standouts are Gilas star Jack Animam, former NCAA Division I player Vanessa de Jesus and multiple-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Kacey Dela Rosa.

     

    For Toews, however, the goal extends beyond the immediate results. He wants to establish a clear identity for Gilas Pilipinas Women and build a sustainable program capable of competing at the highest level in Asia year after year.

     

    “We want to win while we are learning,” Toews said.

     

    With a proven track record in Japan and a strong belief in the Philippines’ potential, Toews now begins the task of turning Gilas Pilipinas Women into a consistent force on the Asian basketball stage.

     

     

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  • Philippine squash team trains with Japan, Thailand in preparation for 2026 Asian Games

    Philippine squash team trains with Japan, Thailand in preparation for 2026 Asian Games

    The Philippine national squash team is stepping up its preparations for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, hosting players from Japan and Thailand for a week-long training camp at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

     

    Philippines head coach Wee Wern Low said the camp, which brought international opponents into the country, provides the team with valuable preparation ahead of the Asian Games.

     

    Four Japanese players and two from Thailand arrived in the Philippines last Monday and trained alongside the national team until Saturday, giving the Filipinos an opportunity to test themselves against different opponents and playing styles.

     

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    “The goal of this is to get more doubles practice, to familiarize with each other, and also play different pairings as well. We are used to playing with each other in training, so it’s good to have people from different countries and different playing styles this week around so that they can get better practice,” Low told the media last week.

    The Philippine squash contingent is composed of Reymark Begornia, Aero Dalida, Jemyca Aribado, Alyssa Dalida, David Pelino and Jonathan Reyes.

     

    While the Philippines does not have the same pedigree as some of Asia’s traditional squash powerhouses, Low believes the team’s underdog status could work to its advantage in Nagoya.

     

    “Yeah, I mean, the Asian Games is probably one of the biggest events in Asia, and playing for your country is obviously a very different feeling than playing for yourself in the professional circuit,” Low said.

     

    “So as Team Philippines go into the Asian Games, I mean, we are the underdogs. There’s nothing to lose and just all the experience to gain and to try their best against the much more experienced countries in Asia.”

     

    Malaysia enters the tournament as the prohibitive favorite after dominating the previous edition of the Asian Games, where it collected three gold medals, one silver and one bronze.

     

    India will also pose a significant threat, having won two gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals in the previous edition.

     

    For the Philippines, however, the focus is on maximizing its preparation and making the most of its opportunity against Asia’s best when the Asian Games gets underway in Nagoya.

     

     

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  • Philippine padel team steps up preparations for historic Asian Games debut

    Philippine padel team steps up preparations for historic Asian Games debut

    The Philippine national padel team is stepping up its preparations for what promises to be a historic moment for the rapidly growing sport in the country, with the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, now just over a month away.

     

    The Asian Games are scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4, with Team Philippines preparing across several sporting disciplines as the country gets ready for one of Asia’s biggest multi-sport events.

     

    Among the sports making their debut on the continental stage is padel, with the Philippine delegation determined to make an immediate impression against the best players in Asia.

     

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    Team captain Argil Lance Canizares is leading the national squad alongside Jason Anthony Tamayo Lapidus, Tao Yee Tan and Marian Jade Capadocia, with the four athletes currently in Madrid, Spain, undergoing an intensive training camp ahead of their historic Asian Games campaign.

     

    The training stint in Spain is expected to provide the Filipino players with valuable exposure to a country where padel has developed into one of the world’s most popular and competitive padel markets.

     

    With the Asian Games providing an entirely new level of competition, the Philippine team is using every available opportunity to sharpen its skills, improve its chemistry and familiarize itself with the demands of international competition.

     

    The squad will enter the Asian Games with considerable confidence after producing an impressive showing at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) 2026 in June.

     

    Team Philippines won back-to-back professional division titles at the APPC, which was held at Play Padel McKinley West in Taguig City, giving the national team an important boost heading into its biggest international test yet.

     

    The strong performance also provided an indication of the progress being made by Philippine padel and the growing depth of talent available to the national program.

     

    For Padel Pilipinas president Jeff Cheng, the Asian Games represents a significant milestone not only for the national team but also for the sport’s development in the Philippines.

    “The Asian Games represents a historic opportunity for padel in the Philippines. The inclusion of padel on this stage reflects the sport’s rapid growth across Asia, and we are committed to ensuring that our athletes are ready to compete against the continent’s best,” Cheng said in a media interaction.

     

    “We hope to showcase not only the talent of our players, but also the progress the Philippines has made in developing the sport.”

     

    The Asian Games appearance is expected to provide the Philippines with an opportunity to measure its progress against established padel nations while exposing its players to a much wider international field.

     

    The national team will also hope to use the experience to further raise the profile of the sport back home and inspire more Filipinos to take up the rapidly expanding racket sport.

     

    Padel Pilipinas secretary general Atty. Duane Santos likewise highlighted the importance of the team’s recent success at the APPC, saying the experience will serve as an important foundation for the challenges ahead.

     

    “We are proud of what was accomplished at APPC 2026, and now our work continues,” Santos said.

     

    “The experience gained here will be invaluable as we prepare for the challenges ahead and continue striving to raise the level of padel in the Philippines.”

     

    The recent APPC triumphs have given the national team momentum, but the Asian Games will present a considerably tougher challenge.

     

    Competing against the continent’s leading padel players will test the Filipinos’ ability to perform under pressure and adapt to a higher level of competition.

     

    For Canizares, Lapidus, Tan and Capadocia, the training camp in Madrid represents an important part of that preparation.

     

    The Philippines will be making its debut in padel at the Asian Games, making the upcoming competition an opportunity to establish a foundation for the sport’s future participation in major international events.

     

    Beyond the results, the national team will be looking to showcase the rapid development of Philippine padel and demonstrate that the country can compete on the continental stage.

     

    With its recent success at the APPC, an intensive overseas training program and months of preparation behind it, Team Philippines heads to Nagoya with growing confidence.

    The next step is to translate that progress onto the Asian Games court and make the country’s historic padel debut one to remember.

     

     

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