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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    Team Philippines wasted no time making its presence felt on Day 1 of the ASEAN Para Games on January 21, delivering a strong opening performance highlighted by multiple gold medals, game records, and promising starts across several disciplines.

     

    Currently the Philippines is ranked third overall with a total of 20 medals, consisting of eight golds, six silver and bronze medals. Vietnam is in fourth place with only one shy of the Philippines’ tally. 

     

    The Filipinos drew early momentum from para athletics, where Jan Jayro Palermo struck gold in the men’s long jump T20 with a leap of 6.89 meters. The track events proved equally fruitful as Rodrigo Podiotan Jr. captured gold in the men’s 400m T52 in 1:01.06, setting a new Games record, while Cendy Asusano rewrote the mark in the women’s shot put F54 with a gold-winning throw of 6.04 meters. Team PHI also topped the men’s 1500m T11 through the tandem of Evenezer Celebrado and Daniel Enderes Jr., adding another gold to the tally.

     

    In the pool, para swimming continued to be a gold mine. Gary Bejino dominated the men’s 400m freestyle S6 in 5:32.88, another Games record, while Ernie Gawilan ruled the men’s 400m freestyle S7. Angel Otom also stood tallest in the women’s 50m backstroke S4-S5. A silver came from the mixed 4×50m freestyle relay, rounding out a productive opening day in aquatics.

     

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    Team Philippines also shone in para fencing, with Marlyn Garrucho clinching gold in the women’s individual sabre A after edging Thailand, 15-13. In tenpin bowling, Francisco Ednaco secured a bronze in the men’s singles TPB8 event, while Michael Bayani added another bronze in para cycling (men’s individual time trial C3–C5).

     

    Several sports saw encouraging results despite tough competition. Para powerlifting delivered a silver from Marydol Pamatian (women’s 41kg) and a bronze from Denesia Esnara (women’s 55kg). Para archery and wheelchair basketball 3×3 both ended with silver finishes after hard-fought finals against Thailand.

     

    Meanwhile, Filipino athletes made strong early impressions in para badminton, para table tennis, and chess, racking up multiple preliminary wins that set them up well for the later stages. Goalball and sitting volleyball saw mixed outcomes, while cerebral palsy football and some team basketball events posed early challenges against regional powerhouses.

     

    Overall, Day 1 painted a promising picture for Team Philippines—anchored by record-setting gold medals and depth across disciplines—as the delegation looks to build even more momentum in the days ahead.

     

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  • “I want to educate more people”: Hidilyn Diaz starts teaching at UP Diliman

    “I want to educate more people”: Hidilyn Diaz starts teaching at UP Diliman

    Philippines weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, who etched her name in history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, is now venturing into a new arena—academia.

     

    The 34-year-old champion, who dominated the 55-kg division with her record-breaking snatch and clean-and-jerk performances in Tokyo, has long been celebrated as a national hero and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the Philippines. Beyond her historic triumph, Diaz has made it her mission to grow the sport of weightlifting throughout Southeast Asia. Together with her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, she established the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, providing a training ground for young lifters and fostering a culture of discipline, fitness, and excellence among the next generation.

     

    Now, Diaz is bringing that same dedication and leadership into the classroom, having officially joined the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) as a faculty member. She will serve in the UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK), combining her experience as a world-class athlete with a formal role in education.

     

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    In preparation for her teaching duties, Diaz attended the Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) at the UP Diliman School of Economics from January 12 to 15. She described the training as both eye-opening and invaluable in shaping her approach to teaching.

    “Good thing na naka-attend ako nitong TEC. Nagkaroon ako ng idea kung paano iyong magiging approach ko sa pag-handle ng class. I am also thankful for my CHK colleagues’ support—they were there to cheer and help me,” Diaz said, reflecting on her first steps into academia.

     

    The Olympic champion admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she transitions from the weightlifting platform to the classroom. “It’s a big change, but I am ready to share my knowledge and inspire students in a different way,” she added.

     

    Through her teaching role, Diaz hopes to extend her influence beyond competitive weightlifting. By educating young students about the sport, she aims to inspire more Filipinos to embrace weightlifting, emphasizing both athletic development and the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work. Her academy in Rizal continues to serve as a hub for nurturing future champions, ensuring that her impact on Philippine weightlifting remains lasting and profound.

     

    “I want to educate more people para mas maraming makaintindi ng weightlifting, kasi ang weightlifting ay regular event na sa Palarong Pambansa,” Diaz said, highlighting her vision to integrate weightlifting more deeply into the nation’s sporting culture.

     

    UPD management confirmed that Diaz will teach two sections of PE 2 in weightlifting during the second semester of the 2025-26 academic year. Her classes will allow students to learn directly from one of the world’s best, providing a rare opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical expertise drawn from the international stage.

     

    With this move, Hidilyn Diaz is not only shaping champions on the competition platform but also molding the minds and skills of the next generation of Filipino athletes. Her journey from Olympic glory to academic mentorship underscores her commitment to elevating Philippine weightlifting and inspiring a broader culture of excellence in sports and education.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala turns page to WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open after gritty Australian swing exit 

    Alex Eala turns page to WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open after gritty Australian swing exit 

    Alex Eala’s Australian Open journey may have ended earlier than hoped, but the Filipina tennis star is already shifting her focus forward — and back home — with an expected appearance at the upcoming WTA 125 Philippine Open firmly in sight.

     

    That path was cleared after Eala formally closed her 2026 Australian Open campaign on Tuesday, bowing out in the opening round of the women’s doubles event at Melbourne Park. 

     

    Teaming up with Brazilian partner Ingrid Martins, the Filipina showed flashes of control and composure but ultimately fell to the seasoned pairing of Japan’s Shuko Aoyama and Poland’s Magda Linette in a hard-fought three-set encounter, 6–7(3), 6–2, 3–6.

     

    The result underscored both the promise and the growing pains of a partnership still finding its rhythm. Ranked at a career-high No. 134 in doubles, Eala entered the match alongside world No. 80 Martins with momentum and belief — and they showed exactly why in the opening stages.

     

    Eala and Martins stormed out of the gates, racing to a 4–0 lead in the first set and immediately putting pressure on the veteran duo. But experience soon asserted itself. Aoyama, a former world No. 4 and 2023 Australian Open doubles finalist, together with Linette, a 2023 US Open doubles quarterfinalist, calmly clawed their way back into contention.

     

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    Earlier in her Australian swing, the now WTA No. 44–ranked Eala as per live rankings,  enjoyed a strong run at the 2026 ASB Classic, reaching the semifinals after beating two former top-20 players in Donna Vekic and Magda Linette before bowing out to Xinyu Wang.

     

    The Filipina then reached another milestone by capturing the Kooyong Classic title, once again defeating Vekic in straight sets, just days before the Australian Open got underway.

     

    While her Melbourne run ended in disappointment, the experience adds another layer to Eala’s rapidly growing résumé — one that now includes main-draw appearances at Grand Slams and steady climbs in both her singles and doubles rankings.

     

    With the Australian Open chapter closed, attention now turns to the WTA 125 Philippine Open, where Eala is set to compete in front of a home crowd eager to watch the country’s brightest tennis hope continue her ascent.

     

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  • Alex Eala shrugs off Manny Pacquiao comparisons, hits career-high No. 43 in WTA live rankings

    Alex Eala shrugs off Manny Pacquiao comparisons, hits career-high No. 43 in WTA live rankings

    Alexandra “Alex” Eala has never been one to chase comparisons — especially not the kind that put her in the same conversation as a national legend.

     

    After drawing a massive Filipino crowd to her Australian Open debut in Melbourne, the 20-year-old tennis sensation was once again asked about the frequent parallels being drawn between her and boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.

     

    Her response was simple, honest, and refreshingly grounded: “Oh my god, hindi naman ganoon. Iba naman si Manny Pacquiao, I think. Nasa ibang level na siya.”

     

    Eala’s comments came after her match against world No. 99 Alycia Parks — a game that ended in a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 loss but still proved that she is already playing at a level that commands global attention.

     

    The match began like a dream for the Filipina as she dominated the first set 6-0, showing a level of control and confidence that had the crowd buzzing. But Parks bounced back, and Eala couldn’t maintain the same rhythm as the match wore on.

     

    Still, it was not just the tennis that made headlines — it was the sheer magnitude of support she drew.

     

    From packed practice sessions to loud, court-side cheers, Eala felt the weight of national expectations — and she handled it with maturity.

     

    “It was so heart-warming,” she said of the fans’ support.


     “That’s one of the things that makes a loss like today a little bit harder, is I know a lot of people were rooting for me.”

     

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    Her humility and gratitude were unmistakable — even after the defeat, she stayed to sign autographs and thank the fans.

     

    But the bigger story is what happened behind the scenes: despite her exit in the first round, Eala’s WTA live ranking climbed to No. 43, her best-ever position in the sport.

     

    She earned 10 ranking points from her Australian Open appearance, pushing her live ranking upward and giving her a chance to set a new career-best when the WTA updates the official rankings.

     

    The WTA live ranking system, based on a 52-week rolling period, still has the potential to change as the tournament progresses — but for now, Eala’s ascent is undeniable.

     

    Yet even with this breakthrough, Eala refused to be placed on a pedestal.

     

    She recalled how Pacquiao once brought the entire nation to a standstill — families gathering, streets emptying, and the country united in support.


     “I mean, naaalala ko ‘pag may laban si Manny talagang parang bakasyon ‘yung mga tao…,” she said.

     

    And then she added the most honest line of all:“So sa tingin ko, medyo malayo pa ako.”

    Eala may be far from Pacquiao’s level — but her rise in the WTA rankings shows she’s steadily building her own legacy, one match and one milestone at a time.

     

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  • Filipinas captain Hali Long parts ways with Kaya FC after seven-year stint

    Filipinas captain Hali Long parts ways with Kaya FC after seven-year stint

    Philippine women’s national football team captain Hali Long continues to stand as one of the most accomplished, experienced, and widely respected figures in Philippine women’s football, a status earned through years of consistency, leadership, and success both at the club and international levels.

     

    Long is now set to embark on a new chapter in her career after officially parting ways with Kaya FC, bringing an end to her seven-year tenure with the Iloilo City–based club. Her departure marks the close of a highly successful era, during which she played a central role in Kaya’s rise as one of the dominant teams in the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Women’s League and in regional competitions.

     

    Kaya FC paid tribute to their longtime captain and defensive stalwart through a heartfelt message on social media, acknowledging the lasting impact Long made on the club and the broader women’s football landscape.

     

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    “Thank you, Hali Long. Seven years in Kaya colors. A leader, a captain, and a constant presence through some of the club’s most historic moments. From captaining the first Philippine team to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League, to leading us to five 7’s Cup titles and two PFF Women’s League championships, Hali’s legacy helped define an era for Kaya and for women’s football in the country.

     

    “She leaves Kaya as a champion – a leader her teammates believe in and someone who gave everything for this club. Forever part of the Kaya family.”

    Long, now 30, joined Kaya FC shortly after concluding her collegiate career with the Little Rock Trojans at the University of Arkansas, quickly establishing herself as a cornerstone of the club’s defense. Over the years, she became synonymous with Kaya’s success, known for her composure at the back, aerial strength, and commanding presence on the pitch.

     

    In addition to her domestic achievements, Long also gained valuable continental experience after being loaned to BGC–College of Asian Scholars for the preliminary stage of the AFC Women’s Champions League. Although the team fell short of reaching the group stage, the stint further underscored her importance as a leader capable of competing at the highest levels of Asian football.

     

    On the international stage, Long has been a fixture for the Philippine women’s national team since making her senior debut in 2016. Her longevity and consistency were etched into history when she became the first Filipina to earn 100 international caps, a milestone that highlighted her enduring contribution to the national program.

     

    She also played a pivotal role in the Filipinas’ most significant achievement to date—their historic gold medal victory at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where her leadership as captain helped guide the team through a pressure-filled tournament.

     

    While Long’s next club destination remains uncertain, her focus remains firmly on international duty. She is set to once again lead the Filipinas as captain in the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in March, a tournament that carries major implications as the Philippines targets qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

     

    As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Long’s departure from Kaya FC closes a defining chapter, but her influence on Philippine women’s football continues. Whether at club or international level, her experience, leadership, and winning mentality remain invaluable as the Filipinas aim to build on recent successes and reach new heights on the global stage.

     

     

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  • PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are set to strengthen their partnership in a wide-ranging initiative aimed at upgrading sports infrastructure nationwide, a move seen as a major step toward developing world-class Filipino athletes and elevating the country’s overall sporting ecosystem.

     

    The collaboration was formalized following a meeting led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto with officials from the PSC and PAGCOR at Malacañang on January 15. The discussions were held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader vision of transforming the Philippines into a competitive sporting nation and reinforcing government support for elite athlete development.

     

    Under the proposed partnership, PSC and PAGCOR will jointly fund and oversee the construction, completion, and refurbishment of key sports facilities across various regions of the country. The goal is to provide Filipino athletes with modern, accessible, and high-quality training environments that meet international standards.

     

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    “PAGCOR and PSC will work together to provide the right facilities, the right support, and a proper space for Filipinos to hone their skills. Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” Recto said in a statement.

     

    One of the flagship projects under the collaboration is the completion of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building. Once finished, the facility will house specialized training venues for multiple sports, including bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other emerging and traditional disciplines. The institute is envisioned to serve as a hub for athlete training, research, and sports science in Northern Luzon.

    The partnership will also prioritize the immediate refurbishment of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will be converted into a specialized watersports training facility and academy. The upgraded venue is expected to cater to surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing—sports that align with Siargao’s natural coastal advantages and growing reputation as an international surfing destination.

     

    In addition, plans are underway to enhance the Siargao Sports Complex by adding facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center. These upgrades aim to support both grassroots development and elite-level training while enabling the island to host national and regional competitions.

     

    In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex is slated to be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. The facility will cater to athletes from surrounding provinces, offering centralized access to training programs, competitions, and sports services.

     

    Another major project involves the rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City, which will be designated as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. The upgraded complex will feature a modern track and field oval with a grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities designed to support year-round training in the highlands.

     

    Beyond athlete development, both PSC and PAGCOR emphasized that the infrastructure upgrades are expected to generate broader economic and social benefits. Improved sports facilities are seen as catalysts for sports tourism, community engagement, and youth participation, while also positioning the Philippines as a viable host for international sporting events.

     

    With these initiatives, the government hopes to create a sustainable pipeline of talent—from grassroots to elite competition—while ensuring that Filipino athletes are equipped with the facilities and support necessary to compete on the global stage.

     

     

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  • Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    The Philippine men’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team didn’t just win at the 13th ASEAN Para Games — it sent a statement.

     

    With composure, chemistry, and control, the Pilipinas Warriors secured an early spot in the semifinals after sweeping their first two games on Monday at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, showing that their campaign is built on more than just momentum.

     

    Anchored by team captain Kenneth Tapia alongside Alfie Cabañog, Jannil Cañete, and Fel Lander Dawal, the Filipinos wasted little time asserting themselves, dismantling Indonesia with a lopsided 20-3 win that effectively removed any doubt about their intentions in the tournament.

     

    Head coach Vernon Perea said the emphatic opening performance allowed the team to dictate how the rest of the day unfolded.

     

    “In the first match, we had Alfie and Kenneth running the game very smoothly so iniwan lang natin. We got the chance to finish it early kasi we’re expecting a close match against Malaysia,” Perea said. “Luckily, we came out as the winners.”

     

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    That preparation paid off in the Warriors’ second outing, where they fended off a tougher Malaysian side, 11-7, with Cabañog stepping up when it mattered most by scoring seven points in the win.

     

    With two victories secured, the Philippines turned its attention to a showdown with host Thailand at press time, a matchup that will decide the tournament’s top seed and potentially shape the road to the gold medal.

     

    While the men cruised with confidence, the mood on the women’s side was far more urgent.

     

    The Pilipinas Lady Warriors found themselves on the brink after absorbing back-to-back defeats — a 2-14 loss to Thailand followed by a narrow 5-8 setback against Laos — putting their medal hopes in jeopardy in a compact three-team field.

     

    National team coach Harry Solanoy acknowledged the challenge ahead, stressing that precision and urgency are now non-negotiable.

     

    “Ang kailangan, talunin namin ng by four points ang Laos kung matalo sila ng Thailand,” Solanoy said, noting that the tournament format leaves no room for error, with the bottom team walking away empty-handed and without a bronze medal.

     

    As the men push forward with confidence and the women fight to stay alive, the Philippines’ wheelchair basketball campaign at the ASEAN Para Games continues to reflect both the highs of dominance and the harsh realities of international competition — where every possession can redefine a season.

     

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  • Alex Eala exits Australian Open after three-set loss to Alycia Parks

    Alex Eala exits Australian Open after three-set loss to Alycia Parks

    Alex Eala’s Australian Open campaign opened with a statement—and ended with a hard lesson against one of the tour’s biggest servers.

     

    The Filipina ace stunned early by blanking Alycia Parks in the opening set, 6-0, before the American regrouped and leaned on her power game to pull away for a 0-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in their Round of 64 clash at Melbourne Park.

     

    Eala looked fully in control at the outset, racing through the first set with authority. She converted three break points, dominated the return exchanges, and won 55.6 percent of return points compared to Parks’ 38.1. Even with Parks firing four aces to Eala’s one in the opening frame, it was the Filipina who led in total points won and dictated the tempo from the baseline.

     

    Momentum, however, swung sharply in the second set.

     

    Parks opened with a 2-0 lead and refused to let Eala settle. The Filipina nearly stole the third game, but Parks held firm to stretch the advantage to three games. Eala briefly stopped the bleeding by taking the fourth game, then rattled off points to narrow the gap to 3-2. 

     

    She eventually clawed her way back to level the set at 3-all, showing the grit that has defined her rise on tour.

     

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    That push proved to be Eala’s last surge.

     

    Parks reasserted control by breaking the tie and surging ahead 5-3, then closed the set 6-3 by winning three of the final games. The numbers reflected the shift—Parks claimed 29 total points in the second set to Eala’s 23, signaling the American’s growing command.

     

    The deciding set followed a similar pattern. Parks jumped out to a 4-2 lead, continuing to pressure Eala with pace and placement on serve. Two more games later, the match was over, with Parks sealing the third set, 6-2.

     

    Despite the loss, Eala finished with 83 total points won, but Parks’ serve proved decisive. The American piled up a 12–1 advantage in service aces, a gap that ultimately tilted the match in her favor as it wore on.

     

    For Eala, the early dominance in the first set showed she belongs on the sport’s biggest stage. For now, though, the Australian Open run ends in Melbourne—with the question remaining if she will participate in the upcoming WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open. 

     

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  • PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    Team Philippines is ready to make its mark as the 13th ASEAN Para Games gets underway on January 20 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, sending a 216-member delegation poised to compete across the region’s most prestigious para-sports event. The contingent, composed of seasoned medalists, rising stars, and their coaching staff, represents the country’s commitment to excellence and inclusion in international sports.

     

    In a morale-boosting announcement ahead of departure, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that all para athletes and coaches competing in the Games will receive a P6,000 bonus, on top of the standard government incentives for medal winners under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act. Gold medalists will take home P150,000, silver medalists P75,000, and bronze medalists P30,000, providing tangible recognition of their dedication and achievements.

     

    Team Philippines Deputy Chef de Mission Francis Diaz shared a video capturing Gregorio personally addressing the athletes and coaches.

     

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    “It’s not too late. Fight well, because chairman Pato and the PSC commissioners will give you a special bonus and a special travel allowance. Just like what we did for the athletes of the Southeast Asian Games, all of you para athletes and coaches will receive P6,000 each so that with full courage and with all your heart, you can fight for the Philippines in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand,” Gregorio said.

    Ahead of the competition, the para-athletes were outfitted in their official Philippine team gear, provided jointly by the PSC and the Philippine Paralympic Committee. This follows the same preparation approach used for Team Philippines’ delegation to the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, ensuring athletes are equipped both physically and mentally for high-level competition.

     

    The Philippine delegation enters the Games with confidence, buoyed by a strong performance in the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where the country finished fifth overall, capturing 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals, totaling 116 podium finishes. This blend of experience and youthful talent positions Team Philippines as a serious contender for the podium while also serving as role models for the next generation of para-athletes.

     

    Beyond medals, Team Philippines’ mission is equally focused on raising the profile of para-sports in the country. Their participation is an opportunity to highlight resilience, representation, and empowerment, inspiring Filipinos with disabilities to pursue sports and challenging societal perceptions about what athletes with impairments can achieve. Each athlete carries not just the weight of competition, but also the responsibility of being a national ambassador, demonstrating that excellence, dedication, and courage transcend physical limitations.

     

    As the athletes prepare to compete in events ranging from track and field to swimming, powerlifting, and team sports, the Games will test their training, endurance, and mental toughness. For many, the ASEAN Para Games also offer a chance to qualify for bigger international stages, including the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games, making every performance a step toward broader recognition on the world stage.

     

    With the support of the government, the PSC, and a passionate national fanbase, Team Philippines’ delegation is ready to showcase their skill, heart, and determination in Thailand. The country will be watching closely, eager to celebrate new victories, honor inspiring performances, and support athletes who are not only competing for medals but also paving the way for greater awareness and development of para-sports in the Philippines.

     

    The 13th ASEAN Para Games promises to be a celebration of athletic excellence, inclusivity, and national pride, as Team Philippines aims to leave a lasting mark on the region while inspiring future generations of para-athletes.

     

     

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  • Team Philippines para squads hit the ground running as ASEAN Para Games action opens in Thailand

    Team Philippines para squads hit the ground running as ASEAN Para Games action opens in Thailand

    Before the lights officially come on at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, the Philippines is already stepping into competition mode.

     

    The national 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams and the cerebral palsy (CP) football squad are set to open the country’s campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Monday, a full day ahead of the opening ceremony, signaling an early test of readiness for Team Pilipinas.

     

    Wheelchair basketball takes center stage first at Terminal 21 Korat, where the men’s team clashes with Indonesia at 11:30 a.m. (Manila time), followed closely by the women’s showdown against host Thailand at noon. Both matches will be played on the mall’s fourth floor, a unique venue that presents challenges beyond the usual X’s and O’s.

     

    For Pilipinas Warriors head coach Vernon Perea, success will hinge less on scripted plays and more on adaptability once the ball is in play.

     

    “We are always hoping but no matter how hard we train. It will all boil down to the breaks of the game, how fit we are and how sharp we are during the game,” Perea said.

     

     

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    Perea pointed to the playing surfaces as one of the immediate adjustments his squads must manage, with varying court textures expected to affect movement and control.

     

    “We are making adjustments. Court 2, medyo madulas tsaka Court 1, may mga rough surfaces. But lahat naman ng players maglalaro dyan so it will be the same for everybody.”

     

    Later in the day, attention shifts to the pitch as the men’s CP football team opens its tournament at 4 p.m. at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University Football Stadium, adding another front to the Philippines’ early push in the regional meet.

     

    While the opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, and the official competition begins Wednesday, these early fixtures offer Filipino para-athletes a chance to set the tone immediately—testing their preparation, composure, and ability to respond under unfamiliar conditions.

     

    For Team Pilipinas, the journey toward podium finishes begins not with ceremony, but with action. 

     

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