With Carlos Yulo’s recent success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the question of why the UAAP does not include gymnastics has resurfaced, much like the discussion about weightlifting following Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win in Tokyo 2021.
Atty. Rebo Saguisag, the executive director of the UAAP, revealed on Tuesday that the possible inclusion of weightlifting—the sport that brought the Philippines its first-ever Olympic gold—was previously discussed by the league’s Board of Trustees (BOT).
However, these talks did not advance due to the pandemic, which led to significant disruptions and the disbanding of some sports programs.
Following Yulo’s double-gold performance, Saguisag believes that both weightlifting and gymnastics deserve another look by the BOT.
Photo from Tokyo 2020
“Initially, when Hidilyn won in 2021, many approached us, but the pandemic led to many disbandments, making it a less receptive environment. However, one or two of the decision-makers on the BOT have initiated talks, which is a positive development,” Saguisag said during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between UAAP and Akari for a new arena to host the country’s top collegiate sports league.
He continued, “Maybe it’s time for the Trustees to reconsider, and I think informally, it’s been suggested to add it to the agenda. We need to formalize and discuss it, but not for this Season 87.”
Saguisag noted that while he, as an individual, could advocate for the inclusion of new sports, the real challenge lies with the member schools.
(C) FIG
In UAAP Season 86, the league featured 16 official sporting events, excluding special events like esports, cheerdance, and streetdance.
Only four schools—University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, and Ateneo de Manila University—participated in all events, while National University, Far Eastern University, University of the East, and Adamson University did not field teams in some sports.
The UAAP requires at least four schools to compete in an event for it to be held.
“The greater challenge will be for the member schools, which would need to form new teams for sports like weightlifting and gymnastics. This involves additional gym space, equipment, student-athletes, scholarships, uniforms, and coaches,” Saguisag explained.
“From an administrative perspective, these are significant expenses. The schools must commit, and we have a rule that at least four teams are needed to hold an event.”
Saguisag also highlighted that the inclusion of new sports should not come at the expense of existing ones.
“We want to elevate all sports simultaneously. We must continue to support and grow our current focus on volleyball and basketball while finding ways to uplift other sports without diverting resources from them,” he said.
“Our goal is to elevate everything together, not just reallocate resources away from other sports.”
As he enters his seventh year as the UAAP’s executive director, Saguisag remains committed to ensuring that all sports receive the support they need to thrive.
