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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Sports Commission) |
Southeast Asia is taking bold steps to professionalize its sporting landscape with regional leaders affirming the Bali Declaration on Youth and Sports and unveiling plans to elevate the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to global standards. The initiative includes the creation of new flagship competitions such as the Southeast Asia Marathon Series (SEAMS) and the Southeast Asia Pro Cycling Tour (SEA PCT), designed to push the region’s youth and athletes toward world-class performance.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick C. Gregorio underscored the urgency of transforming Southeast Asia’s sports ecosystem into a structured economic and developmental powerhouse, stating, “The Philippines affirms the Bali Declaration and is ready to work with our Southeast Asian partners to elevate the region’s global positioning — leveraging sports tourism as a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and sports diplomacy for goodwill and peace.” Global figures highlight the scale of opportunity: the sports industry generated US$521B (521 billion US dollars) in sales in 2024 while sports tourism reached US$625B (625 billion US dollars), accounting for 10 percent of the global tourism market. With an annual growth outlook of eight percent, Southeast Asia’s 650 million-strong population represents an enormous untapped market. Gregorio emphasized that sports must be seen as an investment, not an expense. Indonesia Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, who is likewise an International Olympic Committee member, explained it best when he said that a stronger SEA Games means a stronger sports ecosystem. Host of the first Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting on Youth and Sports held last May 4, 2026, Thohir pointed out that more consistent, higher-quality SEA Games can attract greater investment, generate sponsorship value, create employment opportunities, and strengthen sports tourism with cross-border visitors, longer stays, and sustained destination demand. “Further, we affirm that investing in our youth — in their creativity, agency, and potential — remains our most strategic priority. Through sports, we empower young people with discipline, opportunity, and a sense of purpose — ensuring that as Southeast Asia rises on the world stage, our next generation rises with it,” said Gregorio.
The SEAMS aims to raise the bar and match the prestige of the Boston, New York, and London marathons while the SEA PCT seeks to attract elite cyclists worldwide and provide a pathway for Southeast Asian riders to one day compete in cycling’s grand tours, including the Tour de France. These events are envisioned as mechanisms for quality control and preparation for higher-level international competition, ensuring Southeast Asian athletes are not left behind. Despite producing world-class champions such as Carlos Yulo (Philippines, gymnastics), Joseph Schooling (Singapore, swimming), Hoang Xuan Vinh (Vietnam, shooting), Veddriq Leonardo (Indonesia, sport climbing), and Panipak Wongpattanakit (Thailand, taekwondo), many top athletes have skipped the SEA Games due to limited and inconsistent sport selection. This has led to lower competition quality, declining audience interest, and diminished overall value. “If the scale and quality of our regional competitions remain limited, we limit the development of our athletes and the growth of our industry,” said Gregorio, stressing that the SEA Games must evolve into a strong regional intellectual property. The Bali Declaration, adopted by the 11 Southeast Asian ministers, recognizes the strategic role of youth and sports in promoting peace, unity, and sustainable development. It calls for stronger cooperation in athlete development, sports governance, and hosting major international events. “Let us build new dreams together as one region, and host the world as one community. When the day comes that Southeast Asia welcomes the Olympic Games — as one people — it will be one of the greatest stories ever told. Let that story be written by, and belong to, all of us,” said Gregorio.
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Manila's Hosting Of Karate One Youth League, A Sound Investment For Local Tourism And Sport
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/World Karate Federation) |
A sound investment for local tourism and the sport of karate that will pay off dividends immediately and beyond. This was how Karate ng Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc. President Ricky Lim described the country’s hosting of the Karate One Youth League presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) set to take place on May 14-17, 2026 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. “This tournament will be a huge boost for local tourism,” said Lim who revealed that over 1,000 promising karatekas from 58 countries worldwide are seeing action in the four-day meet sanctioned by the World Karate Federation (WKF).
Among those fielding huge contingents are Australia with 78, Saudi Arabia, 40; Malaysia, 47; New Zealand, 39, Kazakhstan, 27; US and Uzbekistan, 19; and, of course, the Philippines with 201 athletes from all over the country, according to the karate chief. He pointed out, “Since our participants are children, we expect most of their parents to tag along, meaning that we can expect at least double the foreign and local tourists to come to Manila for the competition.” Also expected to grave the tournament's Manila hosting are WKF officials led by Anthony Espinos of Spain and the Asian Karate Federation who will preside and officiate in the meet also backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee, SM Group of Companies, MILO and Lanson’s Place as well as the support of Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Senators Pia Cayetano and Christopher “Bong” Go, and Citadines Place Manila. Given the metropolitan outlook and famed hospitality of Filipinos who are generally fluent in English, Lim stated, “We can expect our foreign visitors to use the opportunity to sample the culture, food, sights and sounds of Manila and outside of it. Of course, these visitors can be expected to go shopping, bringing home mementos of their experiences from the trip.” Lim said that this is proof of PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio's advocacy that “sports tourism when properly done can serve a major source of income for our country while providing sustainable jobs for those in the industry”, stating, “Our collective engagement in hosting the Karate Youth One Youth League is a sound investment that will have immediate dividends and beyond.”
The karate chief likewise underscored the importance of the global youth karate festival for the up and coming local karatekas who will be exposed to top caliber play for four straight days and compete against youth athletes worldwide, stressing, “Now our young karatekas and their coaches will not have to go overseas to compete against the best of their peers in their respective age group. This would be more expensive. Now not only will get to see top flight karate action but also serves as a learning experience for four straight days. Indeed, this is a win-win situation not only for our sport but for local tourism as well.”
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TNT Tropang 5G’s Kagay-anon Players Connect With Fans In Cagayan De Oro
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Basketball fans in Cagayan de Oro got an exciting treat as Kagay-anon players of TNT Tropang 5G Poy Erram, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin, together with PBA Legend and TNT Tropang 5G Team Manager Jojo Lastimosa, visited key PLDT and Smart stores in the city during the Jolas Cup 2026 opening weekend. The players met customers and supporters at the PLDT Retail Store in Carmen and the Smart Store in Limketkai before making a special stop at the Limketkai Mall Telco Tiangge where they greeted fans, signed autographs, and posed for photos — turning an ordinary store visit into a memorable fan experience.
“Seeing fans smile, taking photos, and sharing stories with us reminds us why events like the Jolas Cup matter — to inspire the community and the next generation of players,” said Khobuntin. They also visited Barangay Nazareth to bring excitement to the community and thank the fans for their unwavering support, participating in the games and fanfare organized by PLDT Home. “CDO is home for us, so it’s always special to come back and feel the love from our ka-Tropa,” said Nambatac. Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental remain a priority area for PLDT, Smart, and TNT. Thousands of customers in the area enjoy the reliability of PLDT Fiber in their homes and businesses. Meanwhile, Smart and TNT continue to roll out new cellsites across the province, delivering an improved 5G network experience for mobile customers.
More than a comeback, the Jolas Cup 2026 reflects PLDT and Smart’s shared belief that progress in Philippine sports begins at the community level — by creating platforms where young players are seen, guided, and inspired long before the spotlight finds them. “We are happy to see these aspiring players who also dream of playing in the PBA. For us, this is where it all started — the Jolas Cup. This is not just for fun, but a stepping stone to the next level of their journey,” said Erram. The Jolas Cup 2026 currently runs until May 16, 2026 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre in Cagayan de Oro, bringing together young athletes from across Northern Mindanao.
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Manny Pacquiao To Launch Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour With Php5M Prize Pool
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN.com/Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour) |
Already the fastest growing sport in the country, pickleball – the racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton – is set for a major breakthrough in the Philippines with the launch of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) later this year. Similar to what he did eight years ago when he founded a regional basketball league known as the MPBL, Filipino sports icon Manny Pacquiao is spearheading the efforts in putting up the MPPT which is eyeing eight pioneering franchises for its initial rollout.
The MPPT will be launched as a professional league, to be sanctioned by the Games and Amusements Board, with Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao represented in the team-based, weekends-only event. The inaugural tour will feature a prize pool of no less than Php5M (5 million pesos). “It’s always been my mission to promote sports and give our athletes a platform to showcase their talents and bring pride and honor to their cities and provinces. I know it’s a relatively new sport in the Philippines, but it’s exciting and easy to learn. There is an abundance of up and coming talents in pickleball in the country. Giving them a chance to represent their cities and provinces will make the experience even more meaningful for them and those in their communities,” said Pacquiao who has also picked up the sport recently, playing it as a hobby together with his wife, Jinkee, in the gym in their General Santos City compound. MPPT Chief Executive Officer Joe Ramos said that three teams have already confirmed their participation with the full roster of eight teams expected to be finalized this month.
The MPPT will kick off with a five-leg invitational this year. Each team will have three men’s and three women’s players, competing in men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Round robin group matches are scheduled on Saturday with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals on Sunday. The semifinals and finals are also slated on Sunday. “This format highlights the depth of talent in Philippine pickleball while creating a competitive and exciting team environment,” said MPPT Commissioner Mark K. Espinosa. With strong early interest and growing nationwide participation, the MPPT is poised to become the premier platform for professional pickleball in the Philippines.
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DAZN Expands T100 Triathlon World Tour Coverage And Access To Elite Endurance Sport By Adding Africa
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| Hayden Wilde conquered the men's professional category of the 2025 Singapore T100 Triathlon. (Image Source: DAZN Group/T100 Triathlon World Tour) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, has increased its international broadcast rights for the T100 Triathlon World Tour into Africa, further strengthening its commitment to expanding the reach of fast-growing sports worldwide. Fans will now be able to watch all races from the T100 calendar for free on DAZN. Coverage will be delivered across multiple territories including the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and now Africa.
Under the agreement, DAZN will enable broad access to one of triathlon’s most prestigious and competitive series. The T100 Triathlon World Tour showcases the world’s best long-distance triathletes, competing for the T100 Triathlon World Champion title and a share of a $4.2-million-dollar prize fund. Athletes qualify via their PTO World Rankings and previous T100 performances with wildcards also awarded for Olympic success, exceptional achievements beyond world ranking positions or to support athletes returning from injury or maternity. The T100 Triathlon World Tour is the official World Championship Tour of long-distance triathlon organized by the Professional Triathletes Organization and recognized by World Triathlon, the sport’s global governing body. PTO CEO Sam Renouf said, “We’re excited to continue our broadcast partnership with DAZN into our third season of the T100 Tour and also to extend our reach in Africa.”
DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “DAZN continues to broaden its multi-sport offering and invest in competitions with strong international growth potential. DAZN is committed to supporting audience growth for emerging sports with strong global appeal. The T100 Triathlon World Tour delivers elite competition, compelling stories, and world-class athletes, and we are excited to bring this sport to more fans for free.” Upcoming events on the T100 Triathlon World Tour include Pamplona-Navarra in Spain on May 23, San Francisco on June 6-7, and Vancouver on August 15-16. Distances range from 100-kilometre triathlons to Olympic, sprint, and junior races, offering a varied and accessible programme for audiences.
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Hughes Bags Singles Silver, Teams Up With Woo For Another In Women’s Doubles At World Pickleball Championships Bangkok
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Team Gearbox Philippines) |
Diana Hughes and Grace Woo of Team Gearbox Philippines made the country proud by bringing home two silver medals at the World Pickleball Championships Bangkok 2026, held last May 2–4, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The tournament featured some of the best pickleball players from across the region, including top competitors from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India and other Asian nations, making the achievement even more significant.
Hughes opened her campaign with an impressive silver medal finish in the Women’s Singles 35+ Open division. She defeated several of the region’s top players en route to the finals, where she ultimately fell in a hard-fought match against Singapore’s top-ranked player, Lo Pay Jyue. A 2025 Pickleball World Cup gold medalist, Hughes went on to secure her second silver medal in the Women’s Doubles 35+ Open division alongside her equally accomplished partner, Grace Woo, who has won multiple local and international tournaments. The Hughes-Woo tandem showcased grit, chemistry, and exceptional teamwork as they battled through a highly competitive field of Asia’s top pairs to reach the finals. “I am so elated to compete once more in a WPC tournament and come home with silvers after a long hiatus. I dedicate this to our country, my sponsors, and supporters. I would also like to thank Grace for being the steady partner she has always been,” said Hughes. Woo shared her pride in their achievement, saying, “It brings me so much pride and joy to represent our country on the international stage and come home with these results. I’m grateful to Diana for her exceptional play and partnership throughout the tournament.”
Hughes, Asia’s former No. 1 in the 35+ division, reaffirmed her status as one of the Philippines’ top pickleball players, proving she remains a formidable force on the continental stage. Meanwhile, Woo demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the country’s most reliable doubles players, consistently delivering with her composure and strategic play throughout the tournament. Beyond the court, Hughes and Woo are also the owners of Alset Gearbox Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Gearbox paddles in the country.
