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Tag: Philippines

  • “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.

     

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    “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.

     

     

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  • 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.”

     

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    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.

     

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  • Carlo Bumina-ang aims for career comeback against Marcos Aurelio at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang aims for career comeback against Marcos Aurelio at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang has firmly established himself as one of the Philippines’ top Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talents, currently competing in ONE Championship and representing the country on the international stage. The 31-year-old fighter has built a reputation for his aggressive striking, relentless work rate, and resilience inside the cage, making him one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today.

     

    Bumina-ang is set to return to the ONE Championship cage on Friday, January 23, at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev, where he will face undefeated Marcos Aurelio in a bantamweight clash. The bout presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Filipino star, who is eager to rebound and regain momentum in his professional career.

     

    The fight comes on the heels of a disappointing setback for Bumina-ang at ONE Fight Night 37: Kryklia vs. Agdeve on November 8, when he suffered a second-round submission loss to Russia’s Elbek Alyshov. The defeat marked a rare stumble in his otherwise promising career, dropping his professional record to 8-2. Reflecting on the loss, Bumina-ang admitted that body shots disrupted his rhythm and ultimately contributed to the outcome.

     

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    “In the first round, the momentum was mine. But he snuck in some slick body shots on me. Those knees to the body took their toll, and I felt it weighing down on me as the fight progressed. Once I sat on the stool after the first round, my knees felt stiff. I tried to tough it out in the second round but couldn’t,” he said in a media interaction.

    Despite the setback, Bumina-ang remains focused and motivated, fully aware that his upcoming bout against Aurelio will be a stern test. The Brazilian fighter enters the contest with a perfect 8-0 record, bringing a reputation as a skilled Muay Thai specialist with strong counterstriking and pressure-fighting abilities. Bumina-ang, however, believes that Aurelio’s style could play into his hands.

     

    “His ground game is good, but he is more of a Muay Thai specialist. He is a good counterstriker and pressure fighter as well. It plays to my style, actually, because I prefer aggressive opponents. He is a striker, but I won’t underestimate him on the ground. I need to be wary because I believe he will try to test my grappling. My two losses were by submission, so he will probably think he can take me there. But I will prove him wrong if he tries.

     

    “I feel like my back is against the wall since I now have two losses in ONE. My mentality right now is simply kill or get killed. He will probably be fired up because he is making his debut, and he wants to keep his undefeated record. But I respect him. He is a well-rounded opponent, and I’m excited to face him,” he added.

     

    Bumina-ang’s mindset reflects a fighter who has learned from adversity. His willingness to analyze his losses, understand his weaknesses, and adapt his strategy demonstrates the maturity of a veteran athlete in one of the world’s most competitive MMA promotions. Fans can expect a focused and highly motivated fighter when he steps into the cage, ready to prove that setbacks do not define his career.

     

    As Carlo Bumina-ang prepares to face Marcos Aurelio, the stakes could not be higher. A win would reaffirm his status as one of the Philippines’ top MMA exports and keep him in contention in the bantamweight division, while a loss would force him to recalibrate and work even harder to stay among the sport’s elite. With a combination of experience, aggressive striking, and a steely determination forged through adversity, Bumina-ang is poised to make this bout a defining moment in his career. Filipino fight fans will be watching closely, hoping that their star can turn the page and reclaim his winning momentum on the global stage.

     

     

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  • 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.

     

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    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.

     

     

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  • 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.

     

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    “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.

     

     

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  • 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.

     

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    “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.

     

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  • 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.

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    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.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala storms into ASB Classic quarterfinals with dominant win over Petra Marčinko

    Alex Eala storms into ASB Classic quarterfinals with dominant win over Petra Marčinko

    Alex Eala delivered one of the most authoritative performances of her young WTA career, dismantling Croatia’s Petra Marčinko, 6–0, 6–2, to punch her ticket to the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

     

    Needing just 1 hour and 2 minutes on Center Court, the 20-year-old Filipina put on a masterclass in control and efficiency, seizing command from the opening game and never loosening her grip.

     

    The SEA Games gold medalist at one point rattled off seven straight games, suffocating the former junior standout and turning the Round of 16 encounter into a largely one-sided contest.

     

    The statistics reflected the dominance. Eala converted all six of her break-point opportunities, won 27 receiving points, and piled up 57 total points—nearly double Marčinko’s 30. Her serving was equally precise, landing 94 percent of her first serves and winning 64 percent of those points, while Marčinko struggled badly on delivery, failing to win a single point on her second serve.

     

    Marčinko managed just two games and one service hold throughout the match, repeatedly pinned back by Eala’s depth, pace, and willingness to take the ball early. Match trackers and international tennis reports highlighted how Eala’s ability to dictate rallies from the baseline denied the Croatian any chance to settle into her usual rhythm.

     

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    The world No. 82 Marčinko led Eala 2-1 in the second set, but never got any momentum going as the Filipina would win the next five games to advance to the next round. 

     

    The emphatic win continues Eala’s strong run in Auckland, coming on the heels of her breakthrough upset of former world No. 17 Donna Vekić earlier in the tournament with a come from behind 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 win in the Round of 32. 

     

    Following both wins against Vekić and Marčinko, Eala is now 2-0 against players from Croatia in her career at the WTA main-draw level. 

     

    As of posting time, Eala is set to face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Magda Linette and Elisabetta Cocciaretto, a test that will pit her against a more established tour regular and further measure her form.

     

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  • Philippine tennis pioneer Marissa Sanchez dies at 69

    Philippine tennis pioneer Marissa Sanchez dies at 69

    Philippine tennis legend Marissa “Maris” Sanchez, a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the sport in the country, passed away at the age of 69 on Sunday, January 4, in her hometown of Angeles City, Pampanga.

     

    The news was confirmed by her nephew, DFA Secretary Elmer Cato, through a heartfelt post on Facebook, paying tribute to Sanchez’s remarkable contributions to Philippine tennis.

     

    “Long before Alex Eala, there was Marissa Dizon Sanchez who brought prestige and honor to the Philippines and the Filipino people as one of the top tennis sensations of her era. This evening, Maria Socorro ‘Marissa’ Sanchez passed away in Angeles at the age of 69. Please join us in praying for the eternal repose of her soul,” Cato wrote.

     

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    Born in 1956, Sanchez began playing tennis at the age of 12 and quickly distinguished herself in a sport that, at the time, was heavily male-dominated in the Philippines. By 1975, she had already made her mark, capturing both the National Tennis Open and the Philta Open, achievements that set the stage for her rise to national prominence.

    Sanchez’s status as a trailblazer was cemented at the 1977 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she earned a silver medal — becoming the first Filipino tennis player to medal at the prestigious event. The following year, she played a pivotal role in leading the Philippine national team to the main draw of the Federation Cup, now known as the Billie Jean King Cup, further establishing her as a pioneer in women’s tennis.

     

    Though Sanchez retired from competitive play in her early 30s, her passion for tennis never waned. She dedicated herself to developing the next generation of players by organizing training camps and mentoring young athletes. Her influence extended beyond the courts, as she also served as a sports consultant for Angeles City from 2010 to 2019, contributing to the growth of local sports programs and initiatives.

     

    Sanchez’s legacy is felt not only in her trailblazing achievements on the international stage but also in the countless Filipino players she inspired and guided. Her contributions helped pave the way for future stars, including rising talents like Alex Eala, ensuring that Philippine tennis continues to thrive.

     

    Marissa Sanchez will be remembered as a pioneer, mentor, and national icon whose dedication to tennis helped elevate the sport in the Philippines. Her impact on and off the court ensures that her legacy will endure for generations of Filipino athletes to come.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao honored with Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award in Dubai

    Manny Pacquiao honored with Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award in Dubai

    Manny Pacquiao is widely regarded as the greatest sportsperson to emerge from the Philippines and one of the finest boxers in the history of the sport. His legendary status is underscored by an unparalleled list of accomplishments, most notably his distinction as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, a feat that remains unmatched.

     

    Pacquiao added another prestigious honor to his storied career after being recognized at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, where he was conferred the Global Outstanding Sporting Career Award. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, and President of the Gulf Youth Games, in recognition of Pacquiao’s enduring impact on global sport.

     

    “The award is not just for me, it is for every dreamer who was told their goals were too big. In boxing, we fight with our fists, but in life, we must fight with our hearts to unite people. I am honored to stand here in Dubai, a city that proves that with vision, anything is possible,” Pacquiao said during the ceremony.

     

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    The summit carried the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport” and marked Dubai’s first-ever global gathering of elite sporting figures, bringing together icons from various disciplines to celebrate excellence, leadership, and the unifying power of athletics. Pacquiao was honored alongside some of the most influential names in world sport, including tennis great Novak Djokovic, MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, football icon Ronaldo Nazario, and NBA champion Tony Parker.

    Pacquiao’s recognition reflects not only his dominance inside the ring but also his influence beyond it. Throughout his career, he has transcended boxing, becoming a global ambassador for perseverance, humility, and national pride. His rise from poverty to worldwide acclaim has inspired millions, particularly in the Philippines, where he remains a symbol of hope and resilience.

     

    “Dubai believes in the positive role of sport in shaping a better future for societies. Honoring stars like Manny Pacquiao is a testament to how one individual’s discipline and heart can inspire an entire generation across borders,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed added.

     

    Now 47 years old, Pacquiao’s legacy continues to grow long after his prime fighting years. Whether through sport, public service, or philanthropy, his influence remains deeply felt across cultures and generations.

     

    Pacquiao’s latest honor further cements his place among the greatest figures in sporting history, not just as a champion boxer, but as a global icon whose story exemplifies how sport can unite people, transcend borders, and inspire greatness far beyond competition.

     

     

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