GAB excited to see more pro leagues opening under Alert Level 1

The professional sports scene has bounced back significantly with looser COVID-19 restrictions. PBA  Images (file photo)

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA—The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) shares its excitement as several professional sports leagues hold their openings this March.

With lesser restrictions and continuous decline in COVID-19 cases, professional athletes and sports officials are slowly going back on their respective courts and gyms.

“We are glad that professional sports is now starting to normalize again in the country. Though, of course, our priority remains to be the safety of our athletes, teams, and game officials against the virus,” GAB chairman Baham Mitra said.

The much-awaited Philippine Football League 2022 season kicked off with the staging of the Copa Paulino Alcantara 2022 last March 14 in Cavite, while Premier Volleyball League, though still in a bubble, began last March 16 in Paco Arena.

In the basketball scene, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governor’s Cup has entered the quarterfinal round.

Meanwhile, Filbasket starts its tournament today, March 18, in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, and the VisMin Super Cup will open its second season at the Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City on March 19.

“We’re just as excited as everyone else because it’s been a while since we’ve had this many sports events happening at the same time in different parts of the country,” Mitra added.

Sports fans should also expect more actions this month, especially around Visayas and Mindanao, where boxing bouts and tournaments are about to take place.

Cebu-based boxing promoter Eva Arquisola will promote the April Jay Abne-Garin Diagan fight on March 19 in Cebu City; Mark Vicelles will fight against Richard Claveras under Pio Castillo’s promotions in Cebu province on March 26; Roslan Eco and Jason Mopon will face each other on March 20 in Misamis Oriental, while boxing promoter Gerry Balmes will promote the Ar-Ar Andales-Joey Canoy match on April 9 in Laguna.

Meanwhile, the URCC will promote a mixed martial arts event on March 22 in Olongapo City; the event will feature one exhibition match and five professional MMA fights.

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