John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

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<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772728362592DSC01768.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Handout photo from Philippine Sports Commission</div>MANILA — The 32nd National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) tipped off at the Dasmariñas Arena here with its traditional centerpiece sports—basketball and volleyball—but the opening ceremony carried a bold new vision: the inclusion of Olympic disciplines such as boxing and taekwondo in the league’s calendar.Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, honored with a Plaque of Recognition during the festivities, challenged the NCRAA to broaden its scope.“Sana ma-consider nyo ang mga Olympic sports tulad ng boxing at taekwondo. Nandito po ang PSC para tumulong at para makahanap tayo ng pwedeng manalo ng medalyang ginto sa Olympics sa LA (Los Angeles 2028) and 2032 Brisbane,” Gregorio declared, underscoring the national goal of producing future Olympians through collegiate competition.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/5/ph-taekwondo-jins-to-get-new-home-in-rizal-memorial-sports-complex-2332">READ: PH taekwondo jins to get new home in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex</a></div>NCRAA General Manager Buddy Encarnado responded with optimism, affirming the league’s readiness to adapt: “We are willing to hold boxing and taekwondo tournaments this season, and with the help of the PSC, I believe it can be done.”His statement signaled a potential landmark expansion for the NCRAA, which has historically featured basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, futsal, table tennis and badminton.Prior to the opening ceremony, the DLSU-D Junior Patriots edged Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Junior Vanguards, 76–75, with Dwayne Marasigan sinking clutch free throws in the dying seconds.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/4/psc-advises-against-non-essential-travel-amid-middle-east-tensions-alcantara-monitored-1408">READ: PSC advises against non-essential travel amid Middle East tensions; Alcantara monitored</a></div>Meanwhile, the DLSU-D Patriots defended home court with a 91–77 win over the AIMS Blue Sharks, while the University of Luzon Golden Tigers opened strong against Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Generals in the marquee matchup.The NCRAA’s move aligns with trends in other collegiate leagues.The NCAA has already adopted boxing, golf, weightlifting, and gymnastics in its ongoing Season 101, while the UAAP is set to stage a golf tournament for the first time.By embracing Olympic sports, the NCRAA positions itself not only as a hub of regional competition but also as a pipeline for national athletic development.The Arena stands inside the sprawling, 11.5-hectare Dasmariñas Sports Complex, a modern, world-class athletic and event venue located in Barangay Burol Main in this city.It was developed as part of a massive city project—often called the &quot;Dasmariñas University&quot; or &quot;Academic and Sports District&quot;—which also includes the 5,000-seat indoor Arena, track and field oval, boxing gym, the new City Hall, a public university (KLD), and a grandstand.It was designed to support 16 different sports, including badminton, futsal, fencing, and swimming (with a pool complex included in the master plan).

“Sana ma-consider nyo ang mga Olympic sports tulad ng boxing at taekwondo. Nandito po ang PSC para tumulong at para makahanap tayo ng pwedeng manalo ng medalyang ginto sa Olympics sa LA (Los Angeles 2028) and 2032 Brisbane,” said PSC chair Patrick Gregorio. #PSA #Philippine Sports Commission

“Sana ma-consider nyo ang mga Olympic sports tulad ng boxing at taekwondo. Nandito po ang PSC para tumulong at para makahanap tayo ng pwedeng manalo ng medalyang ginto sa Olympics sa LA (Los Angeles 2028) and 2032 Brisbane,” said PSC chair Patrick Gregorio. #PSA #Philippine Sports Commission

PSC pushes Olympic sports as NCRAA Season 32 opens at Dasmariñas Arena

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PSC pushes Olympic sports as NCRAA Season 32 opens at Dasmariñas Arena

ABS-CBN News

Published March 06, 2026 01:00 AM PHT

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abssports

National Capital Region Athletic Association

NCRAA

Philippine Sports Commission

Patrick “Pato” Gregorio

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