Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • “Barangay to the Olympics”: PSFI launches grassroots initiative to build future sambo stars

    “Barangay to the Olympics”: PSFI launches grassroots initiative to build future sambo stars

    The Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PSFI) is gearing up to further strengthen its grassroots development programs in 2026 through partnerships and expanded collaboration with its affiliated clubs. With a clear goal of attracting more Filipino youth to take up sambo, the federation continues to broaden its reach at the community level while preparing the next generation of national athletes.

     

    As part of this commitment, the PSFI recently staged a free sambo clinic for young athletes, organized in cooperation with the Manila City Sambo Club. The activity was held on Saturday, January 10, at the Patricia Paraiso Sports Complex in Tondo, Manila, drawing dozens of children eager to learn the basics of the combat sport.

     

    Philippine sambo head coach Ace Larida emphasized the significance of grassroots expansion, noting that sustained athlete development is essential for long-term competitiveness.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “This is very beneficial for the kids. We already had a chapter in Makati with Alexander Li and coach Godwin Langbayan, and now we have conducted one here in Manila with the help of Rommel Miranda and Samson Bernales. Grassroots development is the most important because our national team members will not remain strong forever. We need to continuously look for young athletes with potential,” Larida said in a media interaction.

    Coach Rommel Miranda, who helped facilitate the event, echoed Larida’s views and underscored the importance of community-based programs as a pathway toward elite competition.

     

    “Paolo Tancontian and I both come from a judo background, so we help each other in grassroots development. We want to extend this initiative from judo to sambo to provide more opportunities for children. I fondly call this program ‘Barangay to the Olympics’—starting at the barangay level and working our way toward the Olympics. That’s the vision of our program,” Miranda added.

     

    The clinic also received a morale boost from the presence of 2025 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Sy-Tancontian, whose achievements served as inspiration to the young participants. Her attendance highlighted the potential career pathways that sambo can offer to dedicated athletes.

     

    Meanwhile, the Philippine Sambo Team continues its preparation for major international tournaments, with particular focus on the Asia Oceania Sambo Championships, which the country is set to host in June this year. The upcoming event marks a significant milestone for the federation, providing an opportunity to showcase both local talent and the progress of sambo development in the Philippines.

     

    “We are always prepared. Our training never stops, especially with the Asian Championship set to be held here in the country,” Larida concluded.

     

    With intensified grassroots efforts, strengthened partnerships, and the support of decorated national athletes, the Pilipinas Sambo Federation is positioning the sport for substantial growth in 2026 and beyond. By nurturing talent at the community level and providing clear pathways toward elite competition, the PSFI aims to build a sustainable pipeline of young athletes capable of representing—and excelling—the Philippines in regional and global sambo events. As the federation continues to widen its reach and elevate its programs, the future of sambo in the country appears both promising and firmly grounded in grassroots development.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante and rivals rekindle classic battles at WNT Legends Manila

    Efren Reyes, Django Bustamante and rivals rekindle classic battles at WNT Legends Manila

    For longtime fans of the sport, the sight of Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, Earl Strickland, and Ralf Souquet sharing the same arena again feels less like a novelty and more like a time machine.

     

    The four icons will headline the WNT Legends showcase at Gateway Mall in Quezon City, a three-day event that reconnects some of the most storied rivalries professional pool has ever known. While they are now celebrated as legends, these players were once constant fixtures against one another on the biggest stages—from World Nineball Championships to Matchroom Classics and international opens across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

     

    Reyes and Bustamante, the twin pillars of Philippine billiards, famously battled Strickland and Souquet throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, a period widely regarded as pool’s golden era. 

     

    Fans still recall Reyes and Strickland’s intense world-title clashes, Souquet’s clinical precision against Asian opposition, and Bustamante’s fearless shot-making that often turned matches on their head. 

     

    Their last competitive appearances together came sporadically in international invitationals and seniors events, making this reunion a rare convergence rather than a routine exhibition.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Designed as a celebration of legacy, rivalry, and personality, WNT Legends places equal weight on history and the present moment. The format ensures that each of the four legends will play every day, allowing fans to once again see combinations that once defined the sport’s global narrative—Manila versus America, Europe versus Asia, flair versus fundamentals.

     

    Gateway Mall serves as a fitting backdrop. The same venue hosted last year’s packed Philippine Open, and its intimate layout once again brings the audience within arm’s reach of the action, echoing the old days when crowds gathered close, reading every expression and reaction from the players.

     

    Matches will be played as a race-to-11 with alternate breaks, striking a balance between competitive structure and fan-friendly pacing. While the pressure of ranking points is absent, pride, history, and muscle memory remain very much in play.

     

    Fans worldwide can watch the entire showcase exclusively on WNT TV via a $30 pay-per-view. In the Philippines, live coverage will be available through the Pilipinas Live app for P499, with primetime broadcasts airing on One Sports—ensuring that a new generation gets to witness, and an older one gets to relive, what it once meant when these four names appeared on the same match card.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala soars to career-high WTA No. 49, eyes Donna Vekić Rematch at Kooyong Classic before Australian Open

    Alex Eala reaches new career-high WTA No. 49, to have rematch against Donna Vekic in Kooyong Classic ahead of Australian Open. 

     

    Alex Eala’s Australian swing continues to gather momentum, and her next stop is less about ranking points and more about rhythm, confidence, and unfinished business.

     

    Fresh off a semifinal run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, the Filipina standout has arrived in Melbourne for the 2026 Kooyong Classic, an invitation-only exhibition that traditionally acts as a final dress rehearsal before the Australian Open. 

     

    Scheduled from January 13 to 15, the event offers elite players a rare chance to sharpen their games under competitive conditions—without the pressure of the WTA points race.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    For Eala, Kooyong carries an added layer of intrigue. She is set to face Croatia’s Donna Vekić on January 14 in an exhibition rematch that revisits their recent encounter in Auckland, where Eala sent the former world No. 19 packing in the opening round. 

     

    The matchup provides a familiar benchmark as Eala fine-tunes her form ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam in Melbourne.

     

    The timing could hardly be better. Entering Kooyong, Eala has climbed to a career-high No. 49 in the WTA rankings, a milestone that reflects her steady rise and growing consistency on tour. Rather than chasing points, the focus now shifts to maintaining momentum and adapting to Melbourne’s conditions before the Australian Open main draw begins.

     

    While Kooyong does not carry official WTA status, its role on the calendar is well-established. The singles-only exhibition draws a select group of ATP and WTA players looking for match play and visibility ahead of the Slam. Alongside Eala and Vekić, the 2026 field includes Australian world No. 121 Priscilla Hon and multiple Grand Slam mixed doubles champion Daniela Hantuchova.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Rizal Memorial Courts get final trial as local aces chase wildcard spots for WTA 125 PH Women’s Open

    Rizal Memorial Courts get final trial as local aces chase wildcard spots for WTA 125 PH Women’s Open

    With the clock ticking toward the Philippines’ first-ever WTA 125 tournament, the spotlight shifts to the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center—not for ceremony, but for scrutiny.

     

    Beginning Monday, Philippine sports officials will conduct operational testing of the newly renovated courts, turning the venue into a proving ground just two weeks before the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open tips off. Rather than a quiet inspection, the process will unfold through live competition, as the country’s top female players battle for national ranking points and a prized wildcard into the historic event.

     

    “The matches will not only test the facilities of the tennis center but also serve as a qualifying event for local players aiming to compete in the Philippine Women’s Open,” said Dyan Castillejo, Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) board member and PWO co-Tournament Director.

     

    Over a three-day stretch, competitive play will push the venue’s upgrades to their limits—an intentional move as organizers seek to simulate the demands of a full WTA tournament environment.

     

    “We need to evaluate the ball bounce and traction on the newly resurfaced hard courts under competitive conditions,” Castillejo said. “This testing phase allows us to make any final technical adjustments to the surface to meet the international standards required for a WTA 125 event.”

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Absent from the playoff action are the Philippines’ top two players, Alex Eala and rising prospect Tennielle Madis of M’lang, Cotabato, both of whom have already secured wildcard entries. Eala’s availability, however, remains fluid, as her participation hinges on how deep she advances at the Australian Open, which overlaps with the PWO main draw.

     

    Monday’s slate features three opening-round matchups, led by No. 2 seed and 2025 SEA Games bronze medalist Stefi Aludo against Justine Hannah Maneja. Nina Angeline Alcala faces Elizabeth Abarquez, while Kaye Anne Emana meets Joanna Peña in the third contest.

     

    Top seed Tiffany Nocos received a first-round bye and will await the winner of the Emana-Peña duel in the semifinals, adding further incentive to an already high-stakes setup.

     

    Beyond the local playoffs, the Philippine Women’s Open is shaping up to be a globally diverse affair. At least 24 players from 19 countries have entered the tournament, headlined by Croatian Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic—who could be in line for a rematch with Eala following their recent three-set encounter in Auckland.

     

    Also in the field are China’s Wang Xinyu, who eliminated Eala in the Auckland quarterfinals, and German veteran Tatjana Maria, a former Wimbledon semifinalist.

     

    As matches unfold this week, the stakes extend beyond wins and losses. Every rally doubles as a stress test, ensuring that when the Philippine Women’s Open finally serves off, the stage—and the surface—are fully ready.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Philippine men’s lacrosse team finishes second in Asia-Pacific Championship, secures spot in 2027 World Lacrosse Championship 

    Philippine men’s lacrosse team finishes second in Asia-Pacific Championship, secures spot in 2027 World Lacrosse Championship 

    The Philippine men’s lacrosse team capped a breakthrough campaign by finishing second in the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington, New Zealand, a result that secured the country a berth in the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship.

     

    The Filipinos bowed to world No. 4 Australia, 3–13, in the finals on Sunday, settling for the silver medal after a week-long run that underscored the program’s rapid growth on the continental stage.

     

    Ranked No. 30 in the world, the Philippines advanced to the championship match after defeating host nation and world No. 24 New Zealand, 12–7, in the semifinals. The win capped an undefeated march into the knockout round and set up a daunting final against one of the sport’s traditional powers.

     

    Earlier in the tournament, the Filipinos delivered one of the competition’s defining moments by upsetting world No. 4 Japan, 10–9, in double overtime during pool play—a result that ultimately sealed their qualification for the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship in Japan. They went on to dominate China, 20–1, and Hong Kong, 9–4, to top Pool B and advance directly to the semifinals.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The squad leaned on a mix of local development and overseas experience, highlighted by goalkeeper Dan Morris, who finished among the tournament’s top performers with a 60 percent save rate. 

     

    Morris previously played NCAA Division I lacrosse for the University of Maryland and was part of the Terrapins’ national championship team in 2017.

     

    While Australia proved too strong in the final, the Philippines’ second-place finish represents one of the country’s most successful international lacrosse campaigns to date and confirms its place among the region’s emerging forces.

     

    The result also comes at a timely moment for the sport, which is set to return to the Olympic program at the 2028 Los Angeles Games in a ‘sixes’ format, adding further momentum to the Philippines’ long-term development on the global stage.

     

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • PSC targets more ice rinks following strong showing of PH skating team in SEA Games

    PSC targets more ice rinks following strong showing of PH skating team in SEA Games

    The Philippines closed out the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand on a strong note, finishing sixth overall with 50 gold medals, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes for a total haul of 277 medals.

     

    Among the standout performers was Team Philippines’ skating contingent, which delivered an impressive six-medal campaign. The group secured one gold in short track speed skating, two silvers in women’s figure skating, and another silver in women’s ice hockey, along with additional podium finishes that highlighted the country’s growing competitiveness in ice sports.

     

    In the wake of the program’s success, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed enthusiasm about expanding training opportunities by increasing the number of ice skating facilities nationwide.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “It’s a pleasant surprise to see the Philippines and the national team, winning medals in a sport or sports na hindi naman pang-tropical country. That is the beauty of sports diba? In Thailand they are very good in ice sports because they have eleven skating rinks and we have three. That’s why I was talking with chairman Hans Sy, I said we need eight more. Pag nangyari yan, we can win more medals,” PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said in a media interaction.

    Gregorio emphasized that better accessibility and infrastructure would be key to sustaining the country’s progress.

     

    “Number one is facilities and the opportunity to practice this sport all over the country. They have one in Cebu, we have two here. Maybe three more here, then put up one in Mindanao. I checked — it’s not so expensive anymore because of technology. Kung lagyan mo ng ice skating rink yung mga bayan natin all over the country, then people will play. It’s a beautiful sport,” he added.

     

    Leaders from the national men’s and women’s ice hockey teams welcomed the PSC’s plans, noting that improved facility access would directly boost athlete development and participation.

     

    “I think it would really help the game, not just hockey. We are talking figure skating, speed skating. It would help so much if we could train on a more regular basis because like we have to train after mall hours. It would help us and the growth of the game,” said men’s team captain Steven Fuglister.

     

    “Imagine three sports where we just share one rink. It would really be huge for the development of all of our sports to have even just one more or two more ice rinks,” added women’s captain Bianca Cuevas.

     

    With momentum from their SEA Games success, the country’s ice sports athletes are now gearing up for several international tournaments, including the Ice Hockey World Championships and the ISU Four Continents Championships.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Alex Eala breaks two-game skid against former No. 19 Magda Linette to power into ASB Classic semifinals

    Alex Eala breaks two-game skid against former No. 19 Magda Linette to power into ASB Classic semifinals

    Alexa Eala continued her breakout run at the ASB Classic in Auckland, booking a place in the semifinals after outlasting Poland’s Magda Linette, 6–3, 6–2, in a composed and authoritative quarterfinal win on Center Court.

     

    The 20-year-old Filipina once again showed her growing comfort on the WTA stage, controlling large stretches of the match with aggressive returning and steady serving to neutralize the experience of the former world No. 19. Eala set the tone early, breaking Linette multiple times and never allowing the Polish veteran to settle into a rhythm.

     

    This is the third time that the two had faced as Eala encountered the Polish veteran in the Nottingham Open where she lost 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets, and in the Abu Dhabi Open where the then 19-year-old lost 7-6, 6-1. 

     

    This becomes the first time Eala had won a set against Linette and in doing so won the match in straight sets this time around. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The SEA Games gold medalist only allowed Linette to win five games in the entire match, storming to a 4-0 lead at one point to start the second set. 

     

    The victory builds on an impressive week for Eala, who earlier scored the biggest singles win of her career by upsetting former world No. 17 Donna Vekić, 4–6, 6–4, 6–4, before cruising past Petra Marčinko, 6–0, 6–2, in the Round of 16.

     

    Across those three matches, international tennis coverage has pointed to her improved shot tolerance, fearless returning, and growing composure under pressure as clear signs of her rapid development.

     

    Eala now advances to the semifinals, where she will face China’s Xinyu Wang who is currently ranked no. 57 in the world. Wang had previously beaten Francesca Jones of Great Britain in straight sets. 

     

    The Filipina will return at Center Court later today for the doubles semifinals as Eala and Jovic take on the Chinese duo of Zhaoxuan Yang and Yifan Xu. 

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Filipina racer Bianca Bustamante joins Palou Motorsports

    Filipina racer Bianca Bustamante joins Palou Motorsports

    Filipina racing prospect Bianca Bustamante has confirmed a major step forward in her racing career by signing with Palou Motorsport to compete in both the Eurocup-3 Winter Series and the full 2026 Eurocup-3 Championship. 

     

    The announcement marks a significant progression for the 20-year-old driver as she continues her ascent up the junior formula ladder.

     

    Bustamante, who has steadily climbed the motorsport ranks from karting to international formula racing, will be piloting a Dallara 326-spec car powered by a Toyota engine under Palou’s banner. 

     

    Eurocup-3 has quickly become a competitive proving ground in Europe, bridging the gap between entry-level formula categories and FIA Formula 3-level competition.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Bustamante raced with PREMA in the 2023 F1 Academy, earning two victories that season and forming valuable relationships with engineers and crew members. 

     

    Reuniting with PREMA’s technical support is expected to provide continuity as she adapts to the higher performance and increased downforce of the Eurocup-3 machinery.

     

    Bustamante’s move comes after a learning-oriented 2025 campaign in the GB3 Championship, where she gained experience against a strong mixed-gender field and adapted to faster, more technically demanding cars. 

     

    The 2026 season will kick off with the Eurocup-3 Winter Series, beginning at Portimão’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in February, with subsequent rounds at Jarama and MotorLand Aragón. 

     

    The main championship campaign is set to begin in May at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, with a race calendar that spans several high-profile European circuits.

     

    With a combination of Palou Motorsport’s infrastructure and PREMA’s engineering expertise, the Filipina driver is poised to tackle one of Europe’s most dynamic and competitive feeder series on her journey toward higher levels of open-wheel racing.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.

  • PPC eyes strong medal run for 216-strong Philippine delegation at ASEAN Para Games 2026

    PPC eyes strong medal run for 216-strong Philippine delegation at ASEAN Para Games 2026

    The Philippines is set to compete in the 13th edition of the ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, sending a 216-strong delegation of Paralympic athletes for the region’s premier para-sports event.

     

    Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio, who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), expressed confidence in the country’s chances, citing the dedication and discipline of the athletes in the lead-up to the competition.

     

    Custodio revealed that despite the holiday season, the Philippine Paralympic team continued their training, a testament to their passion and commitment.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “Well, they are excited and ready because after this holiday season or Christmas season, they went back to their training. They did not maximize the holidays. Same goes for the athletes. I’m happy that they are all in high spirits. We have 216 athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand on January 20,” Custodio said in a media interaction.

    Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to be among the top medal contenders, alongside swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, who have consistently performed at the highest level in their respective sports.

     

    Team Philippines comes into the 2025 edition with a strong track record. At the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, the country finished fifth overall, amassing 33 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes for a total of 116 medals. Custodio and PPC president Michael Barredo remain optimistic that this year’s contingent can surpass that achievement, even with the emergence of younger and highly competitive athletes from neighboring countries.

     

    “As I remember, before Christmas break, we had a meeting with coaches together with Sir Mike Barredo. Sir Mike asked for their forecasted medals for ASEAN in Thailand. The results are good. Even if we think that the competition has changed and there are many new and young athletes, the coaches’ forecasts are still good. So I guess we can do well this time,” Custodio added.

     

    With a mix of experienced medalists and promising young talent, Team Philippines is aiming not only to challenge for podium finishes but also to inspire the next generation of para-athletes across the country. Their preparation, discipline, and determination set the stage for an exciting and competitive ASEAN Para Games, and the nation will be eagerly watching as these athletes showcase their skills, resilience, and sportsmanship on the international stage.

     

    The upcoming Games in Thailand offer a platform not just for medals but for representation, empowerment, and growth of para-sports in the Philippines. As the athletes take the field, the country’s hopes rest on their hard work and dedication, with expectations high that Team Philippines will deliver a performance that honors their training and continues the nation’s proud legacy in regional para-sport competitions.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • PFF honors unsung heroes behind successful hosting of FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup

    PFF honors unsung heroes behind successful hosting of FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup

    The Philippines made history by hosting the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, and the event was nothing short of a resounding success. Fans flocked to venues in impressive numbers, bringing energy and excitement, while organizers ensured that every aspect—from facilities to logistics—was up to international standards. The tournament not only highlighted the country’s love for football but also showcased that the Philippines has the capability to host world-class sporting events beyond the familiar realms of basketball and volleyball. Much of the credit for this accomplishment goes to the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) and the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.

     

    In recognition of these efforts, the PFF recently paid tribute to the “unsung heroes” whose dedication and teamwork made the Futsal Women’s World Cup possible. President John Gutierrez emphasized the critical role of those who operate outside the spotlight, while also acknowledging the support provided by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the national government, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and other government sporting federations.

     

    “We commend and congratulate the 500-strong unsung heroes who made the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 a success. With you, we showed the world that Filipinos can host a truly world-class sporting event,” Gutierrez said during a media interaction.

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    PFF General Secretary Gelix Mercader, who oversaw the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), echoed these sentiments, highlighting the contributions of volunteers, staff, and auxiliary personnel.

     

    “Kayo po ang mga tunay na bayani ng World Cup na ito. Maraming salamat po sa inyong dedikasyon, sipag at tibay. It was very humbling to host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup—and even more humbling to see it succeed. We dedicate this to all the futsal and football players across the country who made this possible,” Mercader said, acknowledging the 300 volunteers, 150 LOC staff, and 100 auxiliary personnel who worked around the clock to ensure the tournament ran smoothly.

     

    The success of the inaugural event reflects more than just logistical competence; it symbolizes the Philippines’ growing stature in international sports. By delivering a seamless, high-quality tournament, the PFF and its partners have sent a clear message to the world: the country is ready and capable of hosting major football and futsal competitions at the global level.

     

    As the fans and players return home inspired and energized, the legacy of the tournament extends beyond the matches themselves. The event has not only elevated the profile of women’s futsal in the Philippines but has also strengthened the nation’s reputation as a reliable host for international sporting events. With lessons learned and infrastructure proven effective, the Philippines is now poised to continue its rise on the global sporting stage, proving that the passion, skill, and dedication of its people can turn ambitious visions into reality.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.