Senator Bong Go is optimistic that the historic achievement of tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala is pumping up Filipinos to get into racket sports either for health and fitness or athletic development.
Go made the remarks during his co-sponsorship speech commending Eala for her historic victory at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, where she captured her first Women’s Tennis Association Tour singles title.
“Today, Filipinos, young and old, see new possibilities because of Alex. In fact, her influence reaches far beyond the tennis court,” the veteran legislator said.
“Even the growing popularity of pickleball, padel, badminton, and other racket sports is likely to benefit from the excitement generated by Alex’s historic achievements.”
“Masasabi po natin na ang mga tagumpay niya ay naging susi sa muling pag-usbong ng racket sports sa bansa. Even the growing popularity of pickleball, padel, badminton, and other racket sports is likely to benefit from the excitement generated by Alex’s historic achievements,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The senator said Eala’s victories have helped generate greater enthusiasm not only for tennis but also for other racket sports, as more young Filipinos and families become interested in athletic activities and sports programs.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, he renewed his call for stronger grassroots sports programs and greater assistance for young athletes with the potential to compete nationally and internationally.
“Alex’s historic victory should inspire us to further strengthen grassroots sports programs and ensure that every talented Filipino athlete is given the opportunity to succeed.”
“Alex’s historic victory should inspire us to further strengthen grassroots sports programs and ensure that every talented Filipino athlete is given the opportunity to succeed,” Go said.
He also recognized the support provided by private institutions, stressing that cooperation between the government and the private sector is essential in developing athletes and giving them the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
“Maraming salamat din sa pribadong sektor na tumutulong sa ating mga atleta. Kapag nagtulungan ang pribadong sektor at ang gobyerno, malayong-malayo po ang mararating ng ating mga atleta,” Go said.
He likewise reiterated the broader role of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and productive engagement among young people while helping steer them away from illegal drugs and other harmful activities.
“Kinikilala po natin ang mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng sports sa ating lipunan dahil naniniwala po ako na isa itong mabisang paraan upang mailayo ang ating mga kabataan sa masasamang elemento, katulad ng ilegal na droga,” Go said.
“Gaya nga po ng palagi kong sinasabi: Get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs, to keep us healthy and fit,” he added.
Go said the growing enthusiasm generated by Eala’s achievements demonstrates how the success of Filipino athletes on the international stage can encourage the next generation to participate in sports and aspire to compete at higher levels.
