Category: Sports

Hangzhou, the host city of the 19th Asian Games, is thrilled to launch the second batch of “Asian Games Gift Packs” welcoming global tourists to visit the City of Living Poetry.

According to a statement, the “Asian Games Gift Packs” for global tourists is a digital tourism marketing campaign launched in June this year, and has received enthusiastic responses from both local and international tourists alike.

The gift packs are distributed through a series of sweepstakes. The second batch of gift packs will open for application until Aug 10, and winners of the first and second sweepstakes have the opportunity to win 100,000 Asian Games tickets.

For international visitors, registration is accessible via the official website of Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV and Tourism while domestic tourists can join by searching “Asian Games” on the Alipay platform and clicking into “One Pass” in the Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini programme in the app.

The gift packs can also be accessed via Fliggy app, Hangzhou Residents app and Discover Hangzhou mini programme.

Each gift pack includes a seven day complimentary Hangzhou subway pass, free tickets to 48 tourist attractions, and a prepaid phone card worth 100 Chinese yuan (approximately US$14). (US$1=RM4.57)

The total value of attraction benefits included in the pack is 3,000 Chinese yuan (approximately US$420) and it contains free tickets to famous scenic spots such as Xixi National Wetland Park and Thousand Island Lake.

In addition, winners can use the “One Pass” QR code in Alipay to take the subway, enjoy sight-seeing at various scenic spots, and appreciate the beauty of the Asian Games host city.

The “One Pass” in Smart Hangzhou 2022 mini programme, coupled with the “Asian Games Gift Packs”, strives to provide all-in-one digital service experience for dining, transportation, travelling, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment, ultimately enhancing the Asian Games experience for global visitors.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Perpetual Help volleyball player Louie Ramirez is scheduled to leave for Japan next week to train with the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, a club that competes in the top-level professional tournament V-League 1. The 23-year-old Ramirez, named National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 98 and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) after leading the Altas to a third consecutive title this year, received the invitation for a three-week training program last month. “I was surprised because there are so many good players here in the Philippines and they chose me. I’m so happy to be invited,” the 6-foot-3 spiker told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday. “I’m nervous because it will be my first trip abroad. I’m also excited to be training with the Japanese players” he added. Marck Espejo (2018-2019) and Bryan Bagunas (2019-2022) both played for Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, which represented Japan in the 2014 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship. Espejo, the Finals MVP after Cignal won the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title in March, has joined the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos. The 6-foot-5 Bagunas, on the other hand, earned the MVP plum after helping the Win Streak Club win its first title at the Top Volleyball League in Chinese Taipei early this year. “The invitation is a great opportunity for me to improve my knowledge in volleyball that’s why I am really looking forward to the training program,” said Ramirez, an incoming Hospitality Management senior. The Dasol, Pangasinan native still has one more playing year with the Altas. He thanked Perpetual Help chair Antonio Tamayo for the all-out support to the Altas, owners of 13 NCAA titles, and to coach Sammy Acaylar for honing his talent. Acaylar, a former national player, saw the potential of Ramirez during the 2018 Palarong Pambansa in Vigan, Ilocos Sur while representing Malimpin National High School. “Coach Sammy approached me, he asked if I wanted to play for Perpetual. I’m glad I made the right decision. Whatever I have achieved as a player, I will forever be grateful to coach Sammy,” said Ramirez, who also acknowledged coaching staff members Michael Cariño, Joemel Sagun, Rey Taneo and John Patrick Ramos. Acaylar said Ramirez is humble player, coachable, loyal and always filled with gratitude. ‘Many tried to recruit him even though he’s already with Perpetual, but he did not entertain these offers, especially his parents. The parents say they owe a debt of gratitude to the coach who trained and improved his skills. Louie is helpful and loving to his parents, that’s why the Lord blessed him,” Acaylar said in an interview. Ramirez, the third among five siblings, still dreams of making the national team. “Hopefully, I will be given a chance to play for the Philippine team,” said Ramirez, who joined a tryout two years ago but was not picked. Ramirez may not be good enough for the national team at the moment but the Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler Club must have seen something to notice him. “I know that I will learn a lot from the training in Japan. I am determined to improve my skills and be a better player,” said Ramirez.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Seventeen Sorsogon athletes who bagged medals in the Palaraong Pambansa will receive cash incentives in recognition of their hard work, dedication and achievements in the Department of Education-organized sports event. Salvador Mendoza, spokesperson of the Sorsogon provincial government, said gold medal winners will receive PHP100,000 each; silver medalists will get PHP75,000; and bronze medalists will be given PHP50,000 each. “Our target for the distribution of the cash incentives for our athletes is within this week. We have 12 players for volleyball and five for individual games,” Mendoza said in a statement on Sunday. “The substantial token of appreciation serves as an encouragement for the athletes to continue pursuing excellence in their respective sports disciplines,” he added. The Palaro podium finishers from Sorsogon, all in the elementary level, are Rose Jane Barcelona, gold, long jump; Sofia Huete, gold, discus throw; Beatrize Maria Mabalay, gold, swimming, breaststroke; silver, swimming, 50-meter breaststroke; silver, swimming, 100 meters; Jake Ivan Arciaga, bronze, badminton singles; Jeanne Epino, bronze, javelin throw; and Casiguran Central School, bronze, volleyball. Mendoza said it was the best performance of Sorsogon so far in the multi-event meet for grade school and secondary student-athletes. “The dedication and hard work put in by these athletes, along with the support from their coaches and families, have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional feature. The cash incentives bestowed upon these medalists not only honor their achievements but also demonstrate the commitment of the provincial government to foster a culture of sports excellence and athletic development,” read a statement from Sorsogon City. The National Capital Region was crowned overall champion of the Palarong Pambansa for the 16th consecutive time, winning a total of 85 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze medals as competition ended Saturday in Marikina City. Bicol finished 10th out of 17 regions with a 13-15-22 gold-silver-bronze tally.

Source: Philippines News Agency

The Philippines, representing the Asia-Pacific Region, defeated the USA’s East Region, 3-0, to capture the 2023 Junior League Softball World Series title in Kirkland, Washington Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning in Manila). The softbelles from Bago City, Negros Occidental gave the country its second championship in the girls’ 12-14 age bracket 20 years since a team from neighboring Bacolod City took home the crown. ‘After countless hours of hard work and dedication, we have finally reached the pinnacle of success. It is a long-awaited victory that will be forever cherished by the entire country,’ the Little League Philippines said in a statement. Finishing only third last year, the Negrenses stamped their dominance this time, sweeping the first six matches to earn a ticket to the finals where they faced the team from Milford, Connecticut. They scored a run in the second inning and pulled off two more in the sixth to clinch the title. En route to the finals, they subdued District 9 Region (Washington) 19-0; Southeast Region (Florida) 4-1; Canada Region (Canada) 7-4; Central Region (Michigan) 10-0; West Region (Arizona) 4-0; and Southwest Region (Texas) 4-0. Mayor Nicholas Yulo, who joined the team in Washington, lauded the players and the coaches ‘for a job well done and for the honor they brought to Bago City and the whole country’. ‘Our world champions deserve no less than a hero’s welcome when they arrive. I have already instructed personnel to prepare for their homecoming. I am honored to have been a witness to this historic day. May your triumph inspire young Bagonhons to aim high and dream bigger,’ he added. The Philippine team is composed of Erica Arnaiz, Thereze Francine Fuentes, Ann Dyana Buenafe, Icelle Tanaman, Ashley Ortiz, Froline Manalo, Christine Jane Caracas, Daniela Bejos, Audrie Sarsona, Marie Antoinette Sicapore, Nice Lobrido and Casandra Sumatra, who are all students of Ramon Torres National High School. They are mentored by coaches Rolando Fuentes, Leo Dayot, Sarah Caracas, Francis Fuentes, team manager Josie Sebunga and player advocate Yolly Sanchez

Source: Philippines News Agency

National Capital Region (NCR) was crowned overall champion anew of this year’s Palarong Pambansa, winning a total of 85 gold, 74 silver and 55 bronze medals. It marked the 16th straight overall title of NCR, the last in 2019 in Davao with an 86-71-56 tally. NCR likewise regained the elementary (30-22-16) title, which it yielded to Southern Tagalog in 2019, and topped the secondary division (55-52-39) again. The multi-event competition was then suspended for the next three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte graced the closing ceremony attended by athletes, coaches and officials from 17 regions at Marikina Sports Center on Saturday. She congratulated Marikina for successfully hosting the event for the first time and the coaches, school officials, parents and communities for supporting the athletes. ‘You are all winners in your own right, and we laud your dedication to your chosen passion,’ Duterte said during the closing ceremony. Western Visayas (Region 6) finished second with 60 golds, 45 silvers and 44 bronzes to improve on its third-place performances from 2017 to 2019. Southern Tagalog (Region 4A) ranked third with 52 golds, 52 silvers and 57 bronzes while Central Luzon (Region 3) was fourth with 28 golds, 33 silvers and 46 bronzes. Central Visayas (Region 7) placed fifth with 26-18-35; Davao (Region 9) sixth, 21-18-27; followed by Northern Mindanao (19-20-33), Soccsksargen (17-19-34), Cordillera (17-17-14), Bicol (13-15-22), Ilocos (9-11-23), Cagayan Valley (8-13-17), Mimaropa (6-8-13), Eastern Visayas (5-17-15), Caraga (4-11-20), Zamboanga Peninsula (3-5-13) and Bangsamoro (2-0-4). The Palarong Pambansa will return to Cebu City after 30 years as the ‘Queen City of the South’ defeated Bacolod City in Negros Oriental and Antique province in the bidding for the 2024 hosting. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama received the host’s flag from Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro. Ilocos Norte was awarded the 2025 hosting

Source: Philippines News Agency

The Department of Culture and Sports of Da Nang city in collaboration with the Pulse Active Company launched Manulife Da Nang International Marathon 2023 at a opening ceremony at Bien Dong (East Sea) park on August 5.

The competition welcomes 9,000 athletes from all over the world including nearly 1,500 international athletes from 50 countries and territories, along with roughly 800 children joining in the 1.5km race.

The competition will comprise of a total of five races, including a 42km full marathon, a 21km half marathon, a 10km run, a 5km run, and a 1.5km Ronny Dash run for kids aged between 3 and 10.

To complete the distances, runners will pass through two of the most beautiful coastal roads in the city, including Vo Nguyen Giap and Nguyen Tat Thanh. They will be able to explore famous local tourist spots such as Dragon Bridge, Han River, Son Tra Peninsula, and Marble Mountains.

All distances meet the standards of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Winners of the 42km and 21km races will thereby earn slots to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Marathon in Malaysia in late September. The fastest male and female Vietnamese athletes competing in the full marathon category will win slots to the Sydney Marathon. In addition, the top 15 athletes in the distances will receive honourary gifts from the organisers./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Zamboanga City bets came up with another sterling performance on Sunday, winning eight gold medals in the Asian Youth and Junior Championships at the Gautam Buddha University in New Delhi, India. Jhodie Peralta of Barangay Mampang topped the snatch (73kgs), and clean and jerk (87kgs) to register the best total (160kgs) in the Youth women’s 49kg category, while 2022 SEA Games bronze medalist Rosegie Ramos ruled the snatch (83kgs), clean and jerk (99kgs) and total (182kgs) in the Junior division. In the men’s 61kg category, Universidad de Zamboanga student Albert Ian delos Santos bagged two gold medals in the Youth division — clean and jerk (148kgs) and total (258kgs). The 5-foot-7 son of many-time SEAG medalist Alvin and coach Diwa, also secured two silver medals in the Junior division. Faustino, born and raised in Barangay Pasobolong, won the silver medal in clean and jerk (97kgs) and total (172kgs) in the Youth women’s 55kg category. She got the bronze in snatch (75kgs). “We have won 16 golds so far in three days and we expect to hear our national anthem played again in the last two days of the competition. RP rules Asian weightlifting…to God be the glory!,” Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. Other Zamboanga athletes who have contributed to the country’s medal haul are Angeline Colonia (Youth/Junior W45kg – three golds, one silver and one bronze), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (Youth W40kg – one gold), and Rose Jean Ramos (Junior W45k – one gold and two silvers). Prince Keil delos Santos of Angono, Rizal had two golds and one bronze while Eron Borres of Cebu City bagged one gold, one silver and one bronze in the Youth men’s 49kg category. Meanwhile, Christian Rodriguez (M67kg) will compete on Monday while SEA Games double-gold medalist Vanessa Sarno (W71kg) will see action on August 2. The Youth division is for athletes 13-17 years old while the Junior division is for 15 to 20 years old. The Philippines collected 15 gold medals, including three from Sarno, during the 2022 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The other medalists were Faustino (3 golds), Rosegie Ramos (3 golds), Colonia (2 golds, 1 silver), Rose Jean Ramos (4 golds, 1 silver, 1 bronze), Prince Keil Delos Santos (2 bronzes). Prince Keil Delos Santos, Borres, Colonia, Faustino and Albert Ian Delos Santos are gold medalists at the 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth World Championships in Durres, Albania.

Source: Philippines News Agency