Seven icons to be inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

Some legacies go beyond the scoreboard. On May 20, seven of the country’s most distinguished athletes will take their place in history, not just for what they achieved, but for what they represented during their time wearing the national colors.

Dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” this newest class of Hall of Fame inductees reflects a diverse era of Philippine sports. 

Leading the group is Olympic silver medalist Monsueto “Onyok” Velasco, whose run in boxing remains one of the nation’s most cherished Olympic memories. 

He is joined by basketball legend Ramon Fernandez, along with fellow standouts Eduardo Pacheco, Isidro del Prado, Beatrice Lucero-Lhuillier, Cecil Mamiit, and para-athlete Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta—each carrying a story that helped elevate Philippine sports on both local and international stages.

Their inclusion was no simple decision. From a pool of 75 nominees, the final seven emerged after careful deliberation, underscoring just how deep the country’s sporting history runs.

“There were 75 nominees who were deserving but we had to choose the brightest among them,” Tolentino, the POC president said.

The rigorous selection process was carried out by a distinguished panel led by Patrick Gregorio and Abraham Tolentino, alongside Francisco Rivera, Jarryd Belo, Jose Malonzo, Xavier Virata, and Al Panlilio. Supporting the process was a Review and Evaluation Committee composed of respected media practitioners such as Jun Lomibao, Al Mendoza, Ignacio Dee, Quinito Henson, and Dodo Catacutan, ensuring a balanced and credible selection.

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NEW INDUCTEES IN THE PH SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Ipinakilala na ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) at Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) ang ikalimang batch ng sports legends na iluluklok sa Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

Kabilang dito sina:
• Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta… pic.twitter.com/rUvB4PTSLE

— News5 (@News5PH) April 13, 2026

Officials are already exploring changes that would expand recognition beyond athletes and coaches, potentially honoring contributors who helped shape the sporting landscape from behind the scenes. These proposed updates, however, will require legislative backing before they can take effect in future inductions.

For the Philippine Sports Commission, the Hall of Fame serves a deeper purpose than recognition alone. It is meant to preserve identity, to tell stories that define what it means to compete for country and flag.

“The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is more than just an honor roll of medals—it is a living ledger of greatness to honor those who have defined what it means to be Filipino in sport. They are the pride and memory of a nation,” Gregorio, PSC chairman said.

As the fifth batch of inductees, the “Magnificent Seven” will bring the total number of honorees to 54, adding their names to a growing lineage that dates back to the Hall’s creation through Republic Act No. 8757. 

More than a ceremony, their induction marks the continuation of a story—one where past achievements fuel future inspiration, and where every generation is reminded of the standard set before them.

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