THE addition of weightlifting and boxing to the UAAP calendar is possible.
But it will hinge largely on the resources of the league’s member-schools to put up teams for these sports, according to UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.
“The only challenge is actually for the member schools now kasi sila ang mag-o-open up ng new teams and maintain those teams. For the member-schools, it would mean new uniforms, scholarships, coaches, etc.,” Saguisag said on UAAP Talk.
“Iyon ang baka maging challenge sa amin especially with the challenge of COVID-19. But for the UAAP, we just need to organize it. Isang principle namin is to support the national sports programs,” he added.
Tokyo Olympic Games medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial have suggested weightlifting and boxing be included in collegiate leagues and in the Palarong Pambansa.
Saguisag said the league is open to study the proposal.
“At any rate, this is really worth revisiting and at least iyong Olympic events should have a place in the UAAP. We’re very much open,” Saguisag said.
“From a league’s standpoint, it’s relatively easier kasi of course, there will be expenses that will entail organizations, but from our point of view, madali iyan.”
Boxing was played in the UAAP before, while other Olympic sports the league can consider adding to its calendar are gymnastics, golf, handball, and wrestling.
“Boxing naman, historically, was part of the UAAP,” Saguisag said.
Currently, Olympic sports being played in UAAP are basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, football, tennis, table tennis, badminton, taekwondo, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, baseball, softball, fencing, and judo, along with chess and cheerdance.
