Pacquiao to NCAA athletes: Work hard to reach your goals

World boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao encouraged all athletes from the 10 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) member schools to follow the same path that he took so that they can someday reap the gains of their hard work. Pacquiao, the eight-time world division champion and representative of the lone district of Sarangani province, was the keynote speaker in the opening of the NCAA's 87th season Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. "To all the NCAA athletes, I'm leaving you this challenge to strive hard and always give your best in every game. Learn to accept defeat and make it as an inspiration for you to work harder the next time," said Pacquiao. The Filipino ring icon added, for now, NCAA athletes are competing for their respective schools but he is hoping that most could earn the chance of playing for the Philippine flag. "Malay nyo bukas, o sa mga susunod na araw hindi na lang dito kayo sa NCAA, baka foreigner na ang kalaban nyo at makakapagbigay na rin kayo ng karangalan sa ating bansa." He also asked the athletes to always be thankful for having the chance to showcase their talents. "Ang tagumpay ay hindi para sa atin lamang kundi para sa ating mga mahal sa buhay at higit sa lahat sa ating bansa." "And to the NCAA, I hope that you will continue to help these athletes to achieve their dream," he ended. - JVP, GMA News