Manila: The National Academy for Sports (NAS) is setting its sights on nurturing elite athletes, drawing inspiration from the Rafael Nadal Sports Academy's success with tennis star Alex Eala.

According to Philippines News Agency, NAS Executive Director Francis Carlos Diaz, who recently assumed his position, emphasized the importance of adopting a global perspective during a meeting with program heads of the government-run academy. Diaz highlighted Alex Eala as a testament to the potential success that sports academies can foster, noting Eala's development at the Nadal Academy, which integrates academics into its sports training program.

Diaz, who previously served as dean at the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics, likened NAS's strategic direction to that of the Nadal Academy. He acknowledged the challenges faced by NAS but remained optimistic about transforming these into opportunities, while actively seeking partnerships to secure funding for student-athletes.

Established in 2020 through Republic Act 11470, NAS operates its main campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac. Currently, it accommodates 237 student-athletes. Diaz stated that, akin to the Philippine Science High School and the Philippine High School for the Arts, NAS has a dual mission: to provide quality secondary education and to develop future national athletes capable of competing in regional and international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.

The academy's current focus areas include athletics, aquatics, taekwondo, badminton, table tennis, judo, and gymnastics. Diaz took over the role from former executive director Josephine Joy Reyes, with a clear vision of elevating the NAS to international standards.