NCAA to play only four sports for Season 96, to open in 2021

The Philippine National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will play four sports only in its upcoming 96th season.

In a statement released by Season 96 hosts Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Thursday, only the mandatory sports — basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field — will be played next season as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

However, it added that plans for conduct of games such as online chess and esports were being finalized.

Letran also announced that the league will open early 2021, subject to government guidelines on the conduct of games and health protocols.

The league usually opens its season every July.

Regarding rules on eligibility, Letran said "Some rules and requirements on student-athletes' eligibility such as age, enrolment, grades, and even playing years shall be relaxed in consideration of the disruption of the school year and major changes in the education system."

The NCAA suspended Season 95 last March 9 amid the COVID-19 threat. — LA, GMA News