For the last 17 years, basketball games in the Palarong Pambansa have been played indoor.
In the 60th edition of the Palaro currently being held in the beautiful town of San Jose de Buenvista, Antique the centerpiece team sport is again held on open air court..
In the secondary boys’ game played under the scorching midday sun, Central Luzon Region bested Central Visayas, 69-62, and what’s amazing was that a big crowd came to watch and cheer for both teams.
The big audience also had to endure hot and humid conditions, this despite having seated in roofed gallery inside the Binirayan Sports Complex.
Central Luzon coach Allan Trinidad and his boys played three games under difficult conditions.
“Hindi pa kami nakakalaro sa open court. Pero, nakakagulat dahil sa gymnasium kami nagpa-practice. Yun pala, open court ang laro. Kaya, nireklamo koi to, kasi tatlong laro ko sa outdoor eh,” stated Trinidad.
“Hindi maganda maglaro sa open court. Pero dapat, handa ka,” said Trinidad.
Tournament director Edil Abalos said the last time basketball game was played outdoors was in 2000 in Bacolod City.
It was discontinued because of the punishing summer heat that’s sapping the energy of the kids.
As the heat soared during summer in recent years, organizers moved the basketball games indoors following the availability of indoor courts.
This time, basketball elimination games were held because the Binirayan indoor court was used for other events.
The good news is that the quarterfinal stage of basketball will finally be held indoor.