The push for gymnastics in the Philippines has taken front and center amid Carlos Yulo's success in the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Veteran sports anchor Sev Sarmenta is pushing for the inclusion of gymnastics in the country’s major collegiate leagues, such as the UAAP and NCAA.
The push comes after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold medal in the men’s artistic gymnastics at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
In an interview on One PH’s "Sa Totoo Lang" on Monday, Sarmenta emphasized the importance of this inclusion in further harnessing the country's talent and enhancing training opportunities for Filipino gymnasts.
“Isang malaking konsiderasyon is I think we should start thinking about making gymnastics part of the collegiate leagues, the UAAP, NCAA, & other leagues,” said Sarmenta.
“It’s a very expensive sport pero nakita natin na ang dami nating talent na pwedeng madudukot at maigo-grow, kaso kailangan natin sila i-train sa abroad,” he added.
Sarmenta, together with sports analysts Joy Valenton and Linzi Arellano-Co, provided commentary for two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo's performances in Paris 2024.
He added that the so-called “other sports” have been the country’s source for medals in international tournaments.
“The bigger question, saan papunta sports? I think this generation nakita natin that the so-called other sports also are sources of medals,” said Sarmenta.
“Matagal nang campaign yan 'yung mga track and field, shooting, weightlifting na nakuha na ni Hidilyn [Diaz] 'yung gold medal. Itong gymnastics, marami ring events ito,” he added.
Of the Philippines' 16 Olympic medals, eight have come from boxing, while two each came from swimming, gymnastics, athletics, and weightlifting.
For their part, the UAAP has already made strides in adding new competitions in the league, such as the upcoming esports tournament next week.