By Audrey Denise Pangan
“Basketball is a serious sport and exclusively for real men only.”
For years, statements like this have echoed through gymnasiums and playing fields, reinforcing the notion that sports, especially those as physically demanding as basketball, belong only to a select few.
But who really gets to decide who belongs in sports?
This year’s Silliman University (SU) Intramurals 2025 proves sports are for everyone. It serves as an avenue where outdated rules are broken and every athlete receives respect and a chance to play.
From the pulse of sneakers on the court to cheers around the sidelines, the games show that passion and teamwork matter more than gender.
Basketball remains a highlight of the intramurals, and for the small College of Mass Communication (CMC), it’s more than a competition.
Most of its members are not the strongest players, but they step on the court to have fun.
Their performances during matches went viral for their energy and showmanship. However, not everyone appreciated it, with some critics insisting that basketball is only for “real men.”
Sports continue to evolve, and so do the people who play them. Holding onto ideas of who belongs on the court limits the spirit of competition.
“Sports are for everyone. If someone shows up, plays hard, and gives their all, they deserve respect like anyone else on the court,” Timothy Libres, a student-athlete from CMC, wrote on Facebook.
The intramurals are not just about winning. They’re about making space for everyone.
“Everyone has the right to participate in sports no matter their identities as long as they are capable,” said Louigie Malolot, another student-athlete.
Some still claim certain sports belong to “real men” but every athlete who steps on the court challenges that idea. Strength is not just muscle, it’s resilience and teamwork.
The Kapunungan sa mga Mass Communicators (KMC) responded to the backlash, writing that “Basketball—and all sports—are for everyone. It’s not just for ‘real men.’ Intramurals build camaraderie, teamwork, and fair play, bringing people together no matter their background or identity.”
Stepping onto the court despite criticism takes courage, but playing with heart takes even more.
“Sports are about skill, passion, and determination, not proving someone’s idea of a ‘real man’. Excluding us based on outdated ideas is not just unfair, it goes against the spirit of sports,” expressed student-athlete Josh Lajot.
SU’s intramurals are more than games. They are about identity and breaking barriers. This year’s marches have shown that basketball is not just about scoring—it’s about expression and inclusion.
If making the game exciting and unforgettable is not real basketball, then maybe it’s time to redefine what “real” means.
As the final buzzer sounds, one thing is clear: the game belongs to everyone. As barriers fall, the future of sports will only grow stronger and more inclusive.
