The PSC aims to inspire Filipino youth by hosting world-class sporting events

The Philippines has emerged as a rising hub for international sporting tournaments, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio is excited about bringing even more global events to the country.

Gregorio, who was appointed as chief of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) in July, recently oversaw the successful hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship in September.

His work continues as the country prepares to host the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships later this week. Both competitions will take place simultaneously at the Philsports Arena and the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom.

“It’s a very exciting time. We have volleyball, world surfing, futsal, which is happening at the same time as gymnastics. The PSC is really pushing forward to host more international events,” Gregorio said at the joint launch of the Philippine women’s national futsal team and the men’s national football team uniforms.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

“When we hosted the FIVB Worlds, we announced before the closing that we are hosting again in 2029 for women’s volleyball. That is a long-term development plan. It’s with PNVF and PSC. We want to do the same thing for football,” he added.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio is thrilled to be bringing more prestigious international sporting events closer to Filipinos by taking on hosting duties.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/zLBgpOkCzX pic.twitter.com/dQa7Op16ru

— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) November 18, 2025

Gregorio emphasized that hosting international events is part of a broader goal to inspire Filipino youth and promote sports that are still growing locally, such as football. The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, in particular, aims to put football on the Philippine sporting map and encourage young athletes to take up the sport in a country traditionally dominated by basketball and volleyball.

“The president of FIFA is coming, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is very aggressive because it will give our young athletes an opportunity to watch here in Manila. How can they watch it if it’s in Europe or in America? Very difficult. But now it’s here, in the coming week they have to take advantage of it.

“If we are given a chance to host FIFA here in the Philippines, that means they are also giving us the opportunity to develop the sport,” Gregorio continued.

The PSC, under Gregorio’s leadership, was also impressed by the popularity of futsal at the recently concluded Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, which saw over a hundred young players compete in the grassroots tournament. This enthusiastic response has encouraged the commission to promote futsal and make football more accessible to aspiring athletes.

“We want to support them to pursue what they want completely. That is what we are trying to do,” he concluded.

In addition to these events, the PSC is overseeing renovations at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in preparation for the WTA 125 tournament, scheduled to be held in the Philippines in January.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.