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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • SWP races to finalize Philippine weightlifting team for 2026 Asian Games

    SWP races to finalize Philippine weightlifting team for 2026 Asian Games

    With the 2026 Asian Games fast approaching, anticipation is building for the 20th edition of the prestigious continental multi-sport event, which is scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 4 across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan.

     

    As one of the Philippines’ key medal prospects in the Games, weightlifting is once again expected to play a significant role in the country’s campaign. In preparation, the Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) is working against time to finalize its selection process and ensure that the strongest possible national squad is assembled ahead of the competition.

     

    The federation is pushing to complete the Philippine National Weightlifting Championships and other selection events in the coming months, as these will serve as the primary basis for identifying athletes who will represent the country on the Asian stage. However, preparations have faced unexpected disruption after the national tryouts originally scheduled for June 8 were postponed due to an earthquake in General Santos City.

     

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    Despite the setback, SWP leadership remains focused on maintaining momentum and ensuring that athletes remain in peak condition as qualification and selection continue. SWP president Monico Puentevella emphasized that the federation is committed to a thorough evaluation process to ensure only the most competitive lifters make the final roster for the Asian Games.

     

    “Because of the problem with the earthquake in General Santos, we are going to have another tryout, going around and looking at the athletes who are eligible for the Asian Games. We are already ready, but they need more exposure before we reach Japan. We want them to compete elsewhere aside from Japan. We want them to try out first. We have already submitted our list, but we still want to verify who are the most deserving,” Puentevella said in a media interaction.

    Puentevella added that while the postponement disrupted the immediate schedule, it has not affected the overall training rhythm of the national pool, as athletes continue to prepare for a packed international calendar that includes major qualifying tournaments.

     

    According to the SWP chief, the federation remains focused not only on the Asian Games but also on long-term development, with upcoming competitions such as the World Youth and Junior Championships and the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Olympic qualifying events in November forming part of the broader preparation cycle.

     

    “We never stop training, even if they go back to their provinces, because we have international events coming up like the World Youth and Junior Championships. We have the IWF Olympic qualifying in November, so we never stop training. We will continue even if we were disrupted by the earthquake in General Santos,” he added.

     

    The SWP is now targeting July for the staging of the Philippine National Weightlifting Championships, which is expected to play a crucial role in finalizing selections and giving lifters one last major domestic platform before the Asian Games.

     

    Beyond selection concerns, the federation is also intent on improving the international exposure of its athletes, with plans to send lifters to overseas competitions where possible to better prepare them for the level of competition they will face in Japan.

     

    The Philippines’ weightlifting program enters the 2026 Asian Games with the goal of improving on its previous outing in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, where the country managed to secure a single medal. That podium finish came courtesy of Elreen Ando, who delivered a bronze medal performance in the women’s 64-kilogram category with a total lift of 222 kilograms.

     

    As the countdown to Aichi-Nagoya continues, the SWP remains focused on refining its lineup, building competitive readiness, and ensuring that the national weightlifting team arrives at the Asian Games fully prepared to contend against Asia’s elite lifters once again.

     

     

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  • Hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 highlights padel’s rapid growth in the Philippines

    Hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 highlights padel’s rapid growth in the Philippines

    Padel continues to establish itself as one of the fastest-growing sports in the Philippines, with the country’s rise on the international stage taking center stage as it hosts the third edition of the Asia Pacific Padel Cup.

     

    The prestigious regional tournament has brought together some of the strongest national teams from across the Asia-Pacific, highlighting the rapid growth of padel in the region while providing athletes with another opportunity to compete at the highest level. Beyond the competition itself, the event also underscores the Philippines’ emergence as one of the sport’s leading nations after capturing the championship in the previous edition.

     

    As defending champions, the Philippine team enters the tournament carrying both the expectations of a home crowd and the responsibility of showcasing the country’s continued progress in the sport. The tournament serves not only as a battle for regional supremacy but also as a celebration of padel’s expanding footprint throughout Asia-Pacific.

     

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    Padel Pilipinas president Jeff Cheng believes hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup is another major step in developing the sport both locally and across the region, while also providing Filipino athletes with a platform to demonstrate their growth against elite international competition.

     

    “APPC 2026 marks an important milestone in the continued growth of padel in the Asia-Pacific region. As the defending champions, we enter this tournament with a deep sense of pride and responsibility – not just to compete, but to show the region what Filipino athletes are capable of when given the right support and opportunities,” Cheng said during a media interaction.

     

    Cheng added that events of this magnitude are instrumental in building a stronger competitive culture, encouraging more Filipinos to take up the sport, and strengthening relationships among neighboring padel federations. Hosting the tournament also reflects the Philippines’ growing capability to organize world-class sporting events while helping raise the overall standard of competition in the region.

     

    The significance of the tournament was also highlighted by Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino, who described the event as another milestone in the country’s continued rise as one of Asia-Pacific’s emerging leaders in padel.

    “The Philippine Olympic Committee is proud to stand behind Padel Pilipinas as it hosts this prestigious regional competition. Events like the Asia Pacific Padel Cup are a testament to how far padel has come in the region – and the Philippines, as defending champion, is proof of what is possible when a federation is built on the right foundations. We look forward to seeing the best of Asia-Pacific compete right here in Manila,” Tolentino added.

     

    Tolentino noted that staging an international competition of this caliber reflects the country’s growing reputation as a capable host of major sporting events and further reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to supporting developing sports alongside its traditional athletic disciplines.

     

    The Asia Pacific Padel Cup also aligns with the government’s broader push to position the Philippines as a premier sports tourism destination in Southeast Asia. By attracting athletes, officials, and fans from across the region, tournaments such as this generate greater international exposure while creating opportunities for local athletes to compete against world-class opposition without leaving home.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio emphasized that the event represents much more than just another international tournament, pointing to its long-term impact on athlete development and grassroots participation.

     

    “The Philippines is quickly becoming a hub for emerging sports in the region, and hosting the Asia Pacific Padel Cup 2026 is a proud reflection of that momentum, as part of PSC’s sports tourism campaign. This tournament highlights not only the rapid growth of padel in the country, but also the dedication of our athletes who continue to raise the level of competition. We are proud to support this international event as it showcases world-class play, strengthens regional ties, and celebrates the passion and talent of athletes across Asia-Pacific.

     

    “This occasion is a proud moment for our sporting community and reflects our continued commitment to developing sport at all levels. To grow the sport, we want our young athletes to watch world-class padel being played here in our country, so they can be inspired to pursue excellence and see what is possible on the international stage,” Gregorio concluded.

     

    With the finals scheduled for Sunday, June 28, anticipation continues to build as the tournament enters its decisive stages. Fans are expected to witness high-level competition featuring some of the region’s best players, while the host nation looks to successfully defend its crown on home soil.

     

    Since its inception, the Asia Pacific Padel Cup has evolved into more than just a championship tournament. It has become a key platform for expanding the sport across Asia-Pacific, strengthening collaboration among national federations, and providing athletes with valuable international experience. For the Philippines, this year’s edition represents another opportunity to solidify its status as one of the region’s premier padel nations while inspiring a new generation of Filipino players to embrace one of the world’s fastest-growing racket sports.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala closes memorable Venus Williams partnership, turns attention to Wimbledon 

    Alex Eala closes memorable Venus Williams partnership, turns attention to Wimbledon 

    Alex Eala’s week in Bad Homburg may have ended in defeat, but it also delivered one of the most memorable chapters of her young career.

     

    For a brief stretch on the grass courts of Germany, the 21-year-old Filipina shared the same side of the net with one of tennis’ greatest champions, turning what began as a wildcard pairing into one of the tournament’s biggest attractions before their run came to an end on Thursday night.

     

    Eala and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams bowed out in the quarterfinals after absorbing a 3-6, 2-6 loss to second-seeded doubles specialists Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of Great Britain in the WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open.

     

    The experienced European tandem quickly reminded everyone why they entered as one of the favorites. With two WTA doubles titles already built on their partnership, Mihalikova and Nicholls relied on their polished teamwork to dictate the match from the baseline and at the net.

     

    After six tightly contested games left the opening set tied at 3-3, the second seeds shifted into another gear, stringing together three straight games to claim the opener before taking command early in the second set with a 3-1 lead.

     

    From there, Eala and Williams struggled to find the sustained momentum that fueled their opening-round victory.

     

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    Even so, the tournament offered plenty of positives for the unlikely duo.

     

    Playing together for the first time, Eala and Williams announced themselves with an impressive straight-set victory over Alexandra Osborne of Australia and American Catherine Harrison, 6-3, 6-4, to reach the last eight and give fans a glimpse of what the partnership could produce.

     

    The defeat officially ends both players’ Bad Homburg campaign, but each leaves with a different objective ahead.

     

    For Williams, the tournament marked another step in her return to competitive tennis after an extended absence. The American legend is expected to continue her comeback at Wimbledon, where she is set to reunite in doubles with sister Serena Williams.

     

    Eala, meanwhile, shifts her full attention to the grass-court Grand Slam carrying another milestone into London.

     

    Fresh off becoming the first Filipina to earn a singles seeding at Wimbledon, the world No. 29 will now look to translate another confidence-building week on grass into a breakthrough campaign at the All England Club.

     

     

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  • PSFI president Paolo Tancontian confident of improved showing as Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships kicks off

    PSFI president Paolo Tancontian confident of improved showing as Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships kicks off

    For the first time, the Philippines is stepping onto the continental sambo stage not just as a competitor, but as a host nation.
     
     
    More than 400 athletes from 22 countries have arrived in Manila for the 2026 Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, turning the Ninoy Aquino Stadium into the center of one of the biggest martial arts events from June 25 to 28.
     
     
    Beyond the medals at stake, local organizers see the tournament as an opportunity to showcase the country’s rapid rise in a sport where many rivals have decades of history behind them.
     
     
    Leading that ambition is Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PSFI) President Paolo Tancontian, who hopes the home-court advantage can help the national team improve on its fourth-place overall finish from last year’s championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
     
     
    “Yun sana pinagdadasal namin. Sana malagpasan namin yung ating fourth place overall last year. So yun sana, sana hopefully, if God permits. Sana mas maraming gintong medalya ang mabigay natin sa bansa,” Tancontian said.
     
     
    The federation chief highlighted how far Philippine sambo has come despite being relatively young compared to many of the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
     
    “Imagine bago palang tayo dito sa larangan ng sambo, yung ating mga competitors ay like 80 years, 60 years, 50 years. Tayo ay sampung taon palang pero nakakapagsabay tayo,” he added.
     
     
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    At the forefront of the Philippine campaign is Sydney Sy, currently ranked World No. 1, a five-time World Sambo Championships bronze medalist, and a three-time Asian champion.

     

     
    Sy enters the tournament as the defending gold medalist in the women’s +80-kilogram sports sambo division after capturing the title during the 2025 edition in Uzbekistan. Her presence gives the host nation one of its strongest medal hopes heading into the competition.
     
     
    “Sabi ko nga kay Sydney, pahinga ka. Kailangan magpa-condition para makuha niya, ma-defend niya yung kanyang champion (gold) sa Asia and Oceania,” Tancontian said of his daughter.
     
     
    The federation has also opened opportunities for promising competitors from various regions, including Davao City and other parts of Mindanao, to gain valuable international exposure.
     
     
    After meeting the team before the tournament, Tancontian expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness and enthusiasm.
     
     
    “They’re very excited. Na-feel ko talaga yung kanilang energy. And yun, ganado sila na makipag-compete ngayon sa Asia-Oceania. We have 21 [members of the] national team. And mayroon tayo mga hindi national team but they are also champions sa nationals. So itong mga athlete na ito, co-compete sa youth and juniors. And malaki din ang kanilang pag-asa na makauwi din na medal,” he said.
     
     
    The level of competition is expected to be among the toughest in the region, with many world champions and elite international athletes participating because the tournament carries Class A ranking status.
     
     
    “Actually, this is a rank tournament. This is a class A tournament. So mostly ang mag-compete dito yung mga world champion din. So, gusto ko ma-experience nila, makita nila ng ating mga kababayan kung gaanong kalakas, gaanong ka-intense itong sambo,” he said.
     
     
    Medals will be contested across youth, junior, and senior divisions for both men and women. The youth category, featuring athletes aged 16 to 18, will compete exclusively in sports sambo. Junior athletes aged 18 to 20 and senior competitors aged 18 and above will battle in both sports sambo and combat sambo events.
     
     
    Sports sambo matches will follow a repechage format, allowing athletes defeated by eventual finalists to remain in contention for bronze medals. Combat sambo, meanwhile, will use a direct knockout system.
     
     
    The event has also received strong backing from Philippine sports officials. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio recently joined Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania Secretary General Suresh Gopi in inspecting the Ninoy Aquino Stadium ahead of the tournament.
     
     
    For Tancontian, however, the significance of hosting extends beyond podium finishes. He believes bringing the championship to Philippine soil can inspire greater public interest in a sport that continues to gain momentum across the country.
     
     
    “Isa sa mga reason bakit tayo nag-host para mapakita natin sa ating mga kababayan kung gaano kalakas ang ating mga atleta sa sambo,” he said.
     
     
    As the country’s best sambo athletes prepare to test themselves against some of the world’s top competitors, the championship offers the Philippines a chance not only to chase medals but also to demonstrate how far its program has progressed in just a decade on the international stage.
     
     
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  • Alex Eala, Venus Williams make strong first impression in Bad Homburg doubles 

    Alex Eala, Venus Williams make strong first impression in Bad Homburg doubles 

    For one night in Bad Homburg, the spotlight wasn’t on generations apart—it was on how quickly two players from different eras found their rhythm together.

     

    Alex Eala and Venus Williams wasted little time showing promise as a doubles partnership, cruising into the quarterfinals of the 2026 Bad Homburg Open after a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory over Australia’s Alexandra Osborne and American Catherine Harrison early Wednesday morning, Manila time.

     

    The win marked a successful first step for the wildcard duo, who entered the tournament looking to make the most of their doubles opportunity after both saw their singles campaigns end in the opening round.

     

    What could have been an unfamiliar pairing instead looked surprisingly polished from the opening games.

     

    Eala and Williams immediately seized momentum, racing to a commanding 4-0 lead in the first set and dictating play with aggressive shot-making and confident net coverage. Their opponents struggled to respond as the Filipino-American tandem quickly established control.

     

    The second set presented a sterner challenge.

     

    Osborne and Harrison managed to settle into the match and even grabbed a 3-2 advantage, threatening to extend the contest. But Eala and Williams responded with composure, leveling at 3-all before taking over the closing stretch to secure the victory in one hour and 10 minutes.

     

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    The result sends Eala into another significant moment in her young career—this time alongside one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

     

    Williams, a multiple Grand Slam champion and one-half of the legendary Williams sisters, recently announced her return to doubles competition with Serena Williams as part of their preparation for the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. Bad Homburg serves as one of the final tune-ups before the grass-court major begins.

     

    For Eala, meanwhile, every match alongside the tennis icon offers another valuable experience as she continues her rise on the professional circuit.

     

    The challenge only gets tougher from here.

     

    Awaiting Eala and Williams in the quarterfinals is the tournament’s second-seeded pair of Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of Great Britain, one of the most established doubles teams currently competing on tour.

     

    After passing their first test together, Eala and Williams now have the opportunity to see just how far this intriguing partnership can go.

     

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  • Olympic Day 2026 brings Larry Fonacier, Carlo Paalam, Aira Villegas to inspire over 500 Tagaytay students

    Olympic Day 2026 brings Larry Fonacier, Carlo Paalam, Aira Villegas to inspire over 500 Tagaytay students

    The future of Philippine sports took center stage in Tagaytay as Olympic Day 2026 transformed the CT Velodrome into a training ground for young athletes dreaming of representing the country someday.


    Former Gilas Pilipinas standout Larry Fonacier, along with Olympic medalists Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas, shared their knowledge and experience with the next generation during the celebration held on June 23.

     

    The event, organized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), brought together more than 500 students from three Tagaytay City schools, giving children a chance to experience different sports while learning from some of the country’s top athletes.

     

    Maharlika Elementary School led the participation with 207 students, followed by Carlos S. Batino, Sr. Memorial Elementary School with 175 pupils and Mendez Crossing Elementary School with 131 participants.

     

    The young athletes took part in clinics covering boxing, basketball, football, baseball, taekwondo, and wrestling, with national sports association officials and coaches guiding them throughout the activities at the world-class venue.

     

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    Paalam and Villegas focused on sharing their boxing expertise, while Fonacier helped develop aspiring basketball players as part of the event’s grassroots development program.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino emphasized that Olympic Day is more than just a celebration, it is an opportunity to inspire young Filipinos and discover future national team athletes.

     

    “This is a very important date in the Olympic Movement as we celebrate this day when Olympism and the Olympic Games were founded in 1894. It’s a day of fun and sports as we join the whole world in celebrating this day,” Tolentino said.

     

    For Tolentino, introducing sports to children at an early age could play a key role in building the country’s future international success.

     

    “It is with hope that exposing our young students to sports, we can not just encourage more youth to play sports, but we can also discover new talents who we fervently hope could add to the Olympic golds of the Philippines,” he said.

     

    The celebration was attended by several sports leaders, including Philippine Boxing Federation president Marcus Manalo, Wrestling Association of the Philippines president Ali Sulit, Philippine Karatedo Federation president Ricky Lim, and Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines chairman Atty. Wharton Chan.

     

    The annual Olympic Day observance, recognized by the International Olympic Committee every June 23, continues a tradition that began in 1948. It serves as a reminder of the Olympic Movement’s values of excellence, friendship, and respect while encouraging people around the world to stay active through sports.

     

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  • Alex Eala turns focus to dream doubles partnership with Venus Williams

    Alex Eala turns focus to dream doubles partnership with Venus Williams

    Alex Eala’s stay in the Bad Homburg Open singles draw may have been brief, but the week is far from over for the rising Filipina star.

     

    Instead of dwelling on an early exit, Eala now finds herself preparing for one of the most unique opportunities of her young career—a doubles partnership with seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams.

     

    For a player who grew up watching some of the sport’s biggest names, sharing the same side of the court with Williams offers a chance that goes beyond rankings and results.

     

    “Syempre excited na excited, kasi hindi araw araw na makakasama ko si Venus sa court kaya bigay todo talaga,” said Eala.

     

    The 21-year-old enters the doubles competition after a straight-sets defeat to Belgium’s Elise Mertens, who continued her perfect record against the Filipina with a 6-3, 6-3 victory in the opening round of singles.

     

    While the result ended Eala’s run in the tournament’s main draw, she viewed the match as another learning experience against one of the tour’s seasoned competitors.

     

    “Elise is an experienced player, very veteran, and I played her a couple of times before and also have encountered many challenges before,” Eala admitted.

     

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    “I think the conditions were difficult for me today, so I did the best I could with, you know, what I had.”

     

    Rather than leaving Germany disappointed, Eala chose to focus on the positives from another week of grass-court preparation ahead of the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

     

    “I’m proud of how I fought, I’m proud of what I did, and I’m proud of how I showed up,” Eala added.

     

    The timing of the doubles stint could prove valuable as Eala fine-tunes her game before Wimbledon, where she is set to achieve another milestone. The Filipina recently became the first Filipino player in the Open Era to earn a singles seeding at a Grand Slam tournament, further highlighting her rapid rise on the WTA Tour.

     

    Before stepping onto the lawns of the All England Club, however, Eala gets one more memorable chapter in Germany—this time alongside one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

     

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  • Batang Pinoy returns to Bacolod for 2026 edition with 18,000 athletes expected

    Batang Pinoy returns to Bacolod for 2026 edition with 18,000 athletes expected

    The Batang Pinoy, the Philippines’ premier grassroots sports competition for young athletes aged 8 to 15, is set to make a return to Bacolod City this December 12 to 18, marking another major gathering of emerging sporting talent from across the country.

     

    Established as a national annual multi-sport event designed to identify and develop future Filipino athletes, Batang Pinoy continues to serve as a key platform for youth development in Philippine sports. The competition first began in Bacolod in 1999, and more than two decades later, the City of Smiles will once again host thousands of participants for what is expected to be one of the largest editions to date.

     

    Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed full support for the upcoming staging of the event, highlighting the city’s readiness in terms of logistics, accommodation, and overall preparation.

     

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    “We thank the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for allowing us to host this year. Bacolod is prepared,” Gasataya said during a recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

     

    According to city officials, Bacolod is equipped with more than 4,000 hotel rooms to accommodate delegations, athletes, coaches, and officials. The event is expected to draw approximately 18,000 young athletes from 188 Local Government Units (LGUs), along with over 1,000 technical officials and delegation staff, making it one of the most attended youth sporting events in the country.

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio expressed confidence in Bacolod’s capability to host a large-scale sporting event of this magnitude. He also emphasized the importance of focusing Batang Pinoy on its core age group, reaffirming that the competition is intended for athletes aged 8 to 15 years old.

     

    Gregorio noted that athletes aged 16 and above will now be directed to compete in the Palarong Pambansa, ensuring clearer developmental pathways for young Filipino athletes as they progress through the national sports system.

     

    “What are the criteria to host? The important thing is that if the mayor is involved, and there is commitment, it will definitely happen. In Batang Pinoy, the athletes aged eight years old, they are the superstars,” Gregorio added.

     

    Meanwhile, Batang Pinoy project director and Philippine bowling legend Bong Coo confirmed that the 2026 edition of the games will see an expansion of its sporting program, with the number of disciplines increasing from 27 to 30. The additional sports include gold, skateboarding, and bowling, further broadening opportunities for young athletes across various disciplines.

     

    Coo emphasized that the expansion is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the competition and align it with emerging sports trends, particularly those gaining popularity among the youth.

     

    “We are hoping for a prosperous and successful Batang Pinoy in December,” Coo said, expressing optimism for a smooth and highly successful staging of the event.

     

    With heightened participation, expanded sports offerings, and strong backing from both national and local stakeholders, Batang Pinoy 2026 is expected to reinforce its role as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development in the Philippines.

     

     

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  • Defending champion Sydney Sy headlines Philippine bid at the Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships

    Defending champion Sydney Sy headlines Philippine bid at the Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships

    The top Philippine bet, Sydney Sy Tancontian is set to defend her title at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, which begins Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, as the country hosts one of the biggest sambo competitions for the first time.


    Currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the women’s +80-kilogram sport sambo division, Sy enters the continental showcase as one of the Philippines’ strongest medal hopes.

     

    The event, held under the aegis of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 31 member countries under the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania, making it a major test for the country’s representatives.

     

    For Sy, the focus is now fully on competition after a challenging period involving her father, Pilipinas Sambo Federation president Paolo Tancontian, who recently dealt with health concerns.

    With his condition improving, the 27-year-old athlete can now shift her attention toward the tournament ahead.

     

    “Thank God, my father’s health has greatly improved and is now addressing the details of the tournament so I can now focus on taking part in the competition,” Sy said.

     

    Sy enters the event with confidence after capturing the women’s heavyweight sport sambo gold medal in last year’s 10th edition in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She defeated Mongolia’s Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir to claim the championship and establish herself as one of Asia-Oceania’s top competitors.

     

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    Her previous triumph was part of a strong showing by the Philippine team, with Aislynn Yap also winning gold in the demanding women’s -80kg combat sambo division.

     

    Now competing in front of a home audience, Sy hopes to use the support around her as an advantage while carrying the expectations of Philippine sambo.

     

    Her father believes having the reigning champion in the lineup will provide a major boost not only for Sy but for the entire national team.

     

    “Malaking bagay na makakalaro ang aking anak na si Sydney sa Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships. Malaking inspirasyon siya sa national team at sa bayan. Kapag nandiyan siya, iba talaga ang kumpiyansa ng atleta natin,” Tancontian said.

     

    The father of Sydney also sees the home tournament as a valuable opportunity for his daughter to showcase her skills against the best athletes in the region.

     

    “It’s a big opportunity for my daughter to be competing in the event, this will be a major inspiration for the athletes and for the country,” Tancontian said.

     

    Beyond Sy’s title defense, the event represents a historic moment for Philippine sambo as Manila becomes the first host in history of the premier SAMBO championships in the Asia-Oceania region.

     

    Running from June 25 to 28, the tournament gives local athletes a rare chance to compete on home soil — with Sy leading the charge as the face of the country’s medal campaign.

     

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  • Senator Bong Go celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, lauds Philippines sporting success

    Senator Bong Go celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, lauds Philippines sporting success

    Seven of the country’s most accomplished sporting icons were formally enshrined into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony held Saturday, June 20, at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) House in Manila, recognizing their remarkable achievements and enduring contributions to the development of Philippine sports.

     

    The event brought together sports officials, athletes, and government leaders to celebrate the legacies of individuals who have elevated the country’s profile on both the national and international stage.

     

    Among those in attendance was Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, who served as the ceremony’s guest speaker. During his address, Go paid tribute to the Hall of Fame inductees, highlighting their dedication, perseverance, and impact on future generations of Filipino athletes.

     

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    Drawing parallels between sports and life’s challenges, the senator emphasized the importance of resilience and determination in achieving success.

     

    “Life, just like sports, is an arena of immense challenges. Dadating ang mga pagkatalo, pagsubok, at mga sandali ng labis na pag-aalinlangan. Ngunit tulad ng ipinapakita ng ating mga bayani sa sports, ang tunay na kampeon sa bawat beses na nadadapa ay bumabangon, lumalaban, at nagpapatuloy,” Go said.

     

    Go noted that the accomplishments of the country’s sporting heroes continue to inspire Filipinos from all walks of life, serving as a reminder that discipline, sacrifice, and hard work can lead to greatness.

    The senator also took the opportunity to recognize the current generation of Filipino athletes who are making their mark on the global stage. He cited the recent achievements of tennis sensation Alex Eala, who has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in international tennis, as well as Jordan Clarkson, who recently captured an NBA championship with the New York Knicks.

     

    According to Go, the success of athletes competing at the highest levels of global competition demonstrates how far Philippine sports has progressed over the years.

     

    “Naisip ko noon, isang Pilipina, tinalo ang ilan sa pinakamahusay na manlalaro sa mundo sa isang international competition. Sino ang mag-aakala na darating ang panahon na makikita na natin ito ngayon? Proud rin po ako dahil nasama rin po natin si Jordan Clarkson sa Gilas Pilipinas. Sa mga sandaling iyon, napaisip po ako, ang layo na talaga ng narating ng ating bansa sa larangan ng sports,” he added.

     

    Beyond celebrating past and present achievements, Go stressed the need to continue investing in the future of Philippine sports through comprehensive grassroots development programs. He emphasized that nurturing young athletes remains essential in sustaining the country’s success on the international stage.

     

    Over the years, Go has been among the advocates supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the local sports ecosystem, including programs for student-athletes, para-athletes, and aspiring national team members. He also reiterated the importance of institutions such as the National Academy of Sports and competitions like the Philippine National Games in providing opportunities for young talents to develop their skills and pursue athletic excellence.

     

    The senator underscored that creating a strong foundation at the grassroots level will ensure a steady pipeline of future champions capable of representing the Philippines in regional and international competitions.

     

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame remains the highest recognition bestowed upon Filipino athletes, coaches, and sports personalities whose achievements have significantly contributed to the country’s sporting history. This year’s ceremony served not only as a celebration of past greatness but also as a reminder of the continued efforts needed to support the next generation of Filipino sports heroes.

     

    As the nation honored seven new Hall of Fame inductees, the ceremony highlighted both the rich legacy and promising future of Philippine sports. With Filipino athletes increasingly gaining recognition on the world stage, leaders such as Go believe that sustained support for grassroots development, athlete welfare, and sports education will be crucial in producing the next generation of champions who can carry the country’s flag with pride and distinction.

     

     

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