SPORTS disciplines like weightlifting and gymnastics could be included in future seasons of the National Collegiate Athletics Association.
Discussions on their inclusion came into light following the success of the Philippines in the last two stagings of the Olympic Games.
Gymnastics saw Carlos Yulo winning two gold medals in the floor exercise and vault events at the Paris Games.
In the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, lifter Hidilyn Diaz earned for the country its first-ever gold medal.
NCAA Season 100 management committee chairman Hercules Callanta of host Lyceum Philippines University said members of the board have opened up talks on having weightlifting and gymnastics in the league’s calendar of events.
For now, the calendar has men’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, athletics, men’s football, beach volleyball, tennis, taekwondo, and cheerleading.
Meanwhile, recognition will be given to the league’s 10 Greatest Players when the NCAA celebrates 100 years of excellence in sports.
The awards will be handed out on the opening day (September 7) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The league will celebrate its historic centennial season this 2024 with a brand new logo and theme, “Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies,” and a series of activities to honor the league’s “10 Greatest Players,” during the two-hour opening ceremony scheduled to begin at noon.
Following the ceremony, the defending champion San Beda Red Lions will confront host Lyceum at 2 p.m., with Mapua going up against the College of St. Benilde Blazers at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, the Letran Knights will start their bid against the San Sebastian Stags at 12 noon, followed by the match-up between the Arellano Chiefs and the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals at 2:30 p.m.
Coach Olsen Racela will make his debut with the University of Perpetual Help Altas against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.
