WHILE international multi-sport leagues have included esports to their programs and some collegiate leagues are set to add video game competitions to their schedules, UAAP is focused on its regular sporting calendar for Season 83.
"We haven't discussed it yet," said outgoing UAAP president Em Fernandez of host Ateneo in Tuesday's online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.
Online international chess and poomsae competitions have been held as the world adjusts to "new normal" due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even in the 30th Southeast Asian Games last year, online chess was played as a demonstration sport.
Fiba is also set to host its first online esports competitions, the 2020 Fiba Esports Open, this weekend.
However, the UAAP still plans to hold a full athletic calendar once Season 83, to be hosted by La Salle, rolls on hopefully by the first quarter of 2021.
It doesn't mean, though, that the league isn't willing to adjust to the times.
"Initially, ako opposed kasi parang hindi siya athletic eh. But we don't live in normal times so we have to be responsive," said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.
"We'll see. Everything is on the table but no in-depth discussions. Exploratory pa lang lahat and everything is being floated around."
On the other hand, the NCAA is exploring the possibility of holding digital competitions like online chess and esports on top of its four "mandatory sports," namely basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field once the Letran-hosted Season 96 opens early next year.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph