We all have heard it: Team Philippines winning a match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and Women’s Softball World Cup, Filipino athletes earning medals internationally, and Filipino youngsters proving their talent in multiple global olympiads.

Cheering for your own country and seeing the athletes win and get the recognition they deserve really gets us all hyped up and makes us proud, all the while silently wishing that the games wouldn’t come to an end.

If you have a sports “hangover” and you just want to experience all the chills once again, here are five sports anime you could binge-watch that will get you pumped up as if you are watching a real-life sports competition.

1. Aoashi

“Aoashi” follows the story of junior high school football player Ashito Aoi on his journey to becoming a professional football player as he joins a professional football league in Tokyo despite being looked down upon by the people around him.

The anime series is highly praised for its realistic portrayal of how great yet intimidating football is, pointing out its difficulty, techniques, the types of people a player would encounter in the football world, and how top-level football players don’t magically rise to the top.

Watching it will give you a look at what’s really happening in the mind of a football player as he thinks of ways to execute his play and beat his opponents, and where his drive and motivation come from.

Created by Production I.G. In 2022, “Aoashi” is based on the manga series of the same name, with 24 episodes in its first season.

2.Ace of Diamond

“Ace of Diamond” or “Diamond no Ace” follows the story of baseball player Eijun Sawamura, who has an unpredictable pitching style, on his journey to becoming the ace of a baseball team in Tokyo, surrounded by many skilled players and a new environment he has never experienced before.

With over 75 episodes, Ace of Diamonds’ first season opens the eyes of its viewers to its action-filled baseball world-building, consistent animation, humor, and a cup of melodrama that will bring everyone on an exhilarating ride.

Created by Production I.G. and Madhouse in 2013, “Ace of Diamond” currently has three seasons with a total of 178 episodes and one original video animation (OVA).

3. Free!

“Free!” follows the story of Haruka Nanase, a high school swimmer who only swims freestyle, and his friends Rin Matsuoka, Nagisa Hazuki, Makoto Tachibana, and Rei Ryuugazaki, as they pursue their passion for swimming and learn the value of friendship all at the same time.

Created by KyoAni, or Kyoto Animation, “Free!” is known for its beautiful, high-quality animation and emotional storyline. It’s considered a slice-of-life and sports anime series following the journey of the five students from middle school to college, making the viewers root for them in achieving their dreams.

“Free!” is based on the manga “High Speed!” and currently has three seasons with over 10 episodes each and two movies that were released in 2017 and 2021, respectively.

4. Haikyu!!

“Haikyu!!” follows the story of volleyball player Hinata Shouyou as he enrolls in Karasuno High School and works with new people, including his rival Tobio Kageyama, who became his teammate.

Centered on volleyball, with many interesting characters from different powerhouse schools, interesting techniques, top-tier humor, smooth animation, and volleyball games that will leave you wanting for more, the series garnered more following, introducing it even more to international countries, especially during the peak of the pandemic.

It’s a series where you could learn about life and volleyball at the same time: the value of working with your team as one body, the result of your hard work and perseverance, and the joy that your passion could give you when you truly find it.

Created by Production I.G. In 2014, “Haikyu!!” currently has four seasons, four movies, and five OVAs that sports fans could binge-watch.

5. Slam Dunk

“Slam Dunk” follows notorious Hanamichi Sakuragi on his quest to join a basketball team, a sport he despises, in order to impress and win the heart of Haruko Akagi, the girl he has a crush on.

Considered one of the most famous and classic sports anime series, “Slam Dunk” is packed with unending action, basketball players who shine in their own way, funny scenes that will really get you laughing, and strong brotherhood.

For sports fans and viewers who are beginning their sports anime journey, “Slam Dunk” should never be excluded from their watch list. Binge-watching it will take them on a nostalgic ride as they look at its animation and see for themselves how great 90s anime are.

Created by Toei Animation in 1993, “Slam Dunk” has only one season with 101 episodes and a new hit movie that was released in December 2022.

Animated or not, sports are indeed exciting and amazing to watch. From football to basketball, there’s no doubt that Japanese anime is a whole different world, so give these sports anime a try, and you’ll be hooked just like everybody else!

Photo Credit:
https://www.imdb.com/