With the Olympic Games Paris 2024 concluding with a double gold in Gymnastics and a historic win for the Philippine men's national football team and Gilas Pilipinas, there is more to expect in the sports scene in 2025.
A double-gold in Olympics, Gilas Pilipinas entering the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the Philippine Men's National Football Team ending a 52-year drought against Thailand.
2024 has never been short of milestones for the Philippines, making the country known to the world as a forced to be reckoned with.
And as the year ends on a high note, Filipino sports fans will enter 2025 with anticipation and excitement. What can we expect in the new year?
UAAP Season 87 Volleyball
2024 saw the NU Lady Bulldogs reign supreme after taking back the title in Season 86.
With their lineup still intact, led by Alas Pilipinas standouts Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon, the Lady Bulldogs are set to defend the title in Season 87.
Having been defeated in the finals, the UST Growling Tigresses are set to avenge their loss.
Last season's runners-up are still young and can definitely setup a rematch of Season 86.
The NU Bulldogs are also running the same script, having secured the men's volleyball title against the UST Growling Tigers. Gilas set to rule Asia?
While Gilas Pilipinas have reserved their spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia cup set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, there is still work to for the Nationals come the February window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.
Kai Sotto and the rest of the gang will still play as they face Chinese-Taipei during the window.
But what's more exciting will be the upcoming rematch against the New Zealand Tall Blacks slated for February 23.
Gilas Pilipinas secured their first win against the Tall Blacks, 93-89, during the November window behind Justin Brownlee's 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, along with two steals and two blocks. Sotto chipped in 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, with two steals and two blocks to boot.
The Gilas victory ended the New Zealand curse, as Gilas was on a four-game losing streak against the Tall Blacks prior to their meeting last November 21.
New Zealand looks ready to avenge their loss to Gilas. But will the Nationals make it twice in a row?
FIVB comeback in Manila?
The Philippines will set the stage for the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship in September, with Alas Pilipinas competing against the world's best volleyball players.
Aside from the Philippines, Japan, Iran, and Qatar will play as part of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.
The country previously saw action as it hosted a leg in the Volleyball Nations' League 2024, with France ultimately emerging victorious against Japan in men's play.
With another volleyball event hosting, the Philippines may yet be turning into a volleyball nation as fans await the arrival of their favorite volleyball player outside the country.
