Milestones of '25

There were several highlights in Philippine sports in 2025 and as the year has come to a close, let’s review the top stories that were the most memorable milestones of the past 12 months.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

• Hosting five major international events. In 2023, Manila hosted one of three group stages and the entire playoffs of the FIBA World Cup and with over 10,000 tourists visiting the metropolis, the economic impact was estimated to be P17.8 billion from tourism, hospitality and local spending. That opened the eyes of sports officials, both from the private and public sectors, to the benefits of sports tourism, now a focal thrust of the PSC. Last year, Manila staged the FIVB World Men's Championships, FIFA Women's World Cup, FIG Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, International Series golf and the World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series 6,000 event, impressing a universal audience of the nation's capability to host global events of different sports. To ride on the momentum, a WSL longboard international qualifier will be held