PARIS Olympic Games veterans John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman lead an elite field that will see action in the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships, also known as the National Open, from May 1 to 4 at the world-class New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac
Aside from Tolentino and Hoffman, who are tipped to be back in top shape after suffering injuries during the Paris Olympics, also seeing action in the meet backed by ICTSI and CEL Logistics are Tokyo Olympian Kristina Knott and former Asian 400-meter hurdles queen Robyn Brown.
Two-time Southeast Asian Games men’s shotput gold medalist Willie Morrison, 32nd Cambodia SEA Games men’s long jump champion JanryUbas and rising walkathon racer Carlo de Imus are also vying in the track meet also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Milo, United Auctioneers Inc and Pocari Sweat.
“Having a world-class venue for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships reflects the growth and potential of local track and field,” noted Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association president Terry Capistrano.
“This is the first time we’re staging the meet in New Clark City and we’re expecting even greater performances from our athletes, especially with the availability of a dedicated warm-up track that supports high-level competition,” said Capistrano of the facility certified by World Athletics and the site of the 30th Philippine SEA Games track meet in 2019.
“We are confident that this year’s edition will set a new standard in how we stage and experience our national championships. Together, we continue to raise the level of athletics in the Philippines,” he added of the event also supported by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and, NCC and Wireless Link.
Patafa secretary general Jasper Tanhueco said other promising local athletes will plunge into action in the meet has drawn overseas campaigners from six other countries, among them long jumper and national record holder Leonard Grospe and middle-distance runner Hussein Loraña
He said the competition, where World Athletic ranking points are at stake, is an important process in the selection of the national team for the 33rd Thailand SEA Games in December, but also for the Asian Youth Games in October in Bahrain for the Under-18 athletic bets.
Along this line, Tanhueco announced that six athletes – three males and three females, will see action in the 6th Asian Under-18 Athletic Championships starting tomorrow at the Prince Nayef Sports City Stadium in Qatif, Saudi Arabia.
The athletes are John Clinton Mitchel Abetong, Pi Durden Forward GenilzaWangkay and Franklin Terre Catera in the boys’ division while Angel BataanonVillagra, Naomi Cesar and Lorraine Audrey Batalla are participating in the girls’ division.
“Our commitment remains strong in providing more opportunities and international exposure to our young athletes, which was something I didn’t have when I was competing. These are our future national team members,” Tanhueco, a former sprinter, said.
