Cavite: The National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) is open to the suggestion of including Olympic sports such as boxing and taekwondo in its calendar. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairperson John Patrick Gregorio, who attended the league's opening ceremony at the Dasmari±as Arena in Cavite, challenged the NCRAA to broaden its scope. "I hope you will consider Olympic sports like boxing and taekwondo. PSC is here to help and to help us find someone who can win a gold medal at the Olympics in LA (Los Angeles 2028) and 2032 Brisbane," said Gregorio in a news release.
According to Philippines News Agency, 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," he stated. The NCRAA has traditionally featured sports such as basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, futsal, table tennis, and badminton.
Prior to the opening ceremony, the DLSU-D Junior Patriots narrowly defeated Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Junior Vanguards, 76-75, with Dwayne Marasigan securing victory with clutch free throws in the final moments. Meanwhile, the DLSU-D Patriots defended their home court with a 91-77 win over the AIMS Blue Sharks, and the University of Luzon Golden Tigers started strong against Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Generals in the highlighted matchup.
The NCRAA's move to include Olympic sports aligns with trends in other collegiate leagues. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has adopted boxing, golf, weightlifting, and gymnastics in its ongoing Season 101, while the University Athletic Association of the Philippines 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 Dasmari±as Arena is located within the sprawling, 11.5-hectare Dasmari±as Sports Complex, a modern, world-class athletic and event venue situated in Barangay Burol Main. This complex was developed as part of a significant city project, known as the "Dasmari±as University" or "Academic and Sports District," which includes facilities such as a 5,000-seat indoor Arena, track and field oval, boxing gym, new City Hall, public university (KLD), and a grandstand. Designed to support 16 different sports, the complex also features amenities for badminton, futsal, fencing, and swimming, with a pool complex included in the master plan.
With basketball and volleyball continuing as flagship events, the NCRAA's openness to Olympic sports signals a transformative season. The league's embrace of boxing and taekwondo could mark the beginning of a new era, one where collegiate athletes not only chase championships but also dream of Olympic glory.
