THE year 2018 has been a wonderful year for sports aficionados.
Here are five events we can all look forward to, local and international, this 2019:
1. Manny Pacquiao vs Adrian Broner - January 19, the fighting pride of the Philippines will once again enter the boxing ring to face Adrian Broner. Senator Manny Pacquiao will defend his WBA World welterweight title he won from his last fight. This will be another day where Filipinos can unite and cheer for him, and for pride and country.
2. Davraa and Palarong Pambansa in Davao City - After the successful hosting of Davraa Meet 2018 last year, Davao City is once again hosting it this month and three months later will host the Palarong Pambansa 2019 after 69 years.
The last time the city hosted the annual sports event was way back in 1950 when it was still the Bureau of Public Schools-Interscholastic Athletics Association Games. As the city hosts this back-to-back events, may the motto that “Davao, Life is Here” ring true as an experience for all the participants.
3. SEA Games 2019 - Before 2019 ends, the country will host the 30th edition of the biennial games from November 30 to December 11, 2019.
This early, almost everyone is eagerly anticipating this event. With the recent success we had in the Asian Games, our athletes are definitely raring to go and showcase their talents and reclaim glory of 2005 where we emerged on top of the standings after the dismal sixth place finish in the 2017 edition.
4. Fiba Asia Qualifiers - After suffering back-to-back losses to Kazakhstan and Iran in the third qualifying window, the Philippines need to win convincingly against Qatar on February 21 and Kazakhstan on February 24 to have a better chance of advancing to the World Championships. Currently, Team Pilipinas is from the outside looking in with Lebanon having the better record as the 4th best team that can qualify. Here’s hoping that the coaching staff and players find the motivation to play for all the marbles and once again qualify in the World Championships
5. NBA Finals - This has been a staple for sports fans every June. Much like the Miss Universe pageant, this is also one event where everybody is glued to their TV screens awaiting the crowning of the next NBA World Champions. As I look at the standings, I can say that if the Warriors cannot regain their form, a new champion will emerge.
Here’s to a wonderful world of sports for 2019! Happy New Year!