EMBODYING the get-go Filipino spirit, “Diwa,” the vibrant and colorful mascot of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup, was unveiled over the weekend at the Futsal Fun Day organized by the Philippine Football Federation and the Pasig City government at the San Joaquin Elementary School.
Sporting a purple Philippine 2025 jersey with the FFWWC logo, the mascot mingled with children, families, national players, local officials, and PFF officials who graced the event, which was chock-full of futsal activities.
“Today’s Futsal Fun Day is a great start. Bringing the community together to play and enjoy the game is what grassroots sports are all about,” PFF president John Gutierrez, who graced the occasion together with PFF general secretary Gelix Mercader, said.
“The introduction of our mascot ‘Diwa’ symbolizes the spirit of the (beautiful) game that we want to share with everyone. We are excited for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 and we want to make sure its impact is felt long after the tournament,” Gutierrez stressed.
Joining the futsal-themed festivities were Filipina5 players Dionesa Tolentin and Rocelle Mendaño, who lively engaged the Futsal Fun Day participants in clinics involving ball control, passing, receiving, and shooting.
The children also played mini futsal matches that allowed them to showcase their newly learned abilities and skills.
With a floral tiara on her head and sampaguita flowers on both ears, Diwa is described as a “spirited and magical girl who is deeply connected to nature, drawing from the word ‘diwata’: beautiful, enchanted figures from Filipino folklore,” according to the statement issued by the hosts.
Something of a futsal princess, “the mascot is a symbol of power, grace and teamwork, qualities that combine to make her a formidable futsal player and a beacon of inspiration for girls across the Southeast Asian country and beyond,” it explained.
“Though blessed with extraordinary on-pitch attributes, including electrifying pace, breathtaking vision and unbeatable strength, Diwa’s true power lies in her teamwork, with her profile offering a reminder that collaboration and community are at the heart of futsal,” it added.
PFF officials said that the Diwa will figure prominently in publicizing and promoting the global women’s futsal showcase featuring the top 16 teams from all over the world, including the Philippines.
Players from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tanzania and Thailand will showcase their skills, speed and teamwork in the quest to be crowned the first FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup champions.
Supervised by the International Football Federation known by its French acronym FIFA, and in the presence of PFF executives and government representatives, among them Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the official draw for the competition will be held on Sept. 15 in Taguig City.
