The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) has high hopes for the Filipino athletes that will compete at the 19th Juniors and 14th Seniors Rhythmic Gymnastic Asian Championship which will kick off Wednesday, May 31, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Sports Complex in Manila.

GAP deputy secretary-general Rowena Bautista and competition manager Anna Lou Carreon. (PSA Facebook post)

GAP, represented by its deputy secretary-general Rowena Bautista, is optimistic on how the country will perform in the four-day tournament which serves as a springboard for aspirants who wish to qualify in the upcoming World Championships in Valencia, Spain on Aug. 23-27.

Competition manager Anna Lou Carreon also mentioned that the event will be a great opportunity for the participants to get exposed to foreign competitors which includes gymnasts from China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan, among others.

"They're exposed in different international competitions, also in [the] Worlds they're participating in. It is very important that our gymnasts are exposed to this (kind of) level of competition." Carreon told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum last Tuesday, May 30.

Carlos Yulo, one of the best gymnasts in the world, will not participate in the tournament but Carreon has pinned her aspirations on the other local prospects as it might be a way to discover new talents that will bring honor for the country.

"In this event we might see the future of Philippine Gymnastics," she added.

Bannering the country are Breanna Labadan, Trisha Mae Montefalcon, Jasmine Ramillo, Andrea Mae Emperado, Jenny Eusebio and Katrina Loretizo.

This will be the first time the country will host the Asian Championship, which will last until June 3 and will be joined by 20 countries.

The qualified athletes will be heading to the 40th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships set in Spain. (MARK MONTEJO)