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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider PH athletics trackfest draws close to 1,000 entries

PH athletics trackfest draws close to 1,000 entries

Published Jun 7, 2026 01:53 pm

At A Glance

  • Close to 1,000 athtletes, including some from eight foreign countries, are expected to see action in the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission scheduled from June 10 to 14 at the New Clark Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Close to 1,000 athtletes, including some from eight foreign countries, are expected to see action in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission  scheduled from June 10 to 14 at the New Clark Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac. 

"The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship is more than just a premiere showcase of talent, it is a vital ecosystem for the growth of Philippine track and field,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Terry Capistrano.

“Gathering our nation’s finest athletes alongside international contenders at a world-class venue like New Clark City raises the competitive bar for everyone,” added Capistrano.

The countries confirming participation in the premier trackfest, popularly known as the National Open,  with the ICTSI Foundation as the title sponsor are Chinese-Taipei, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Samoa and the US, according to PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco. 

"So far, we already had 945 registered athletes for the competition and we could hit 1,000 once the complete list is in," said Tanhueco. 

The South Koreans have the biggest contingent of 15, among them four in the men's and one in the women's Open divisions, with the rest in the Under-18 and Under-20 categories. 

Papua New Guinea is sending 12 atheltes while regional neighbors Indonesia and Singapore have 10 apiece in the meet co-presented by the Bases Conversion Development Authority and New Clark City, the Patafa the official added. 

“The PSC is fully behind the PATAFA and the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship. We are also deeply grateful to BCDA President Joshua 'Jake' Bingcang for ensuring these world-class facilities are ready for our athletes,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“Hosting an event of this caliber at New Clark City perfectly aligns with our vision to position the country as a premium sports tourism destination. When government agencies, national sports associations, and dedicated private partners unite, we create a premier stage where our national athletes can truly thrive and inspire the nation,” added Gregorio.

On the local side, a total of 870 athletes, including those in the national pool and the rest representing local clubs, are also vying for honors in the meet backed by CEL Logistics, Inc., United Asia Automotive Group, Inc, Pocari Sweat and Masiv Sports. 

Overseas-based Filipino athletes who will see action will be bannered by Olympic Games veterans Kristina Knott and Lauren Hoffman, who represented the country in the Tokyo and Paris editions of the quadrennial sportsfest, respectively.   

Also taking part are 33rd Thailand Southeast Asian Games double silver medalist Yacine Guermali, pole vault bronze medalist Elijah Cole and women's 200-meter bronze medalist Zion Corrales Nelson, among others. 

“This championship provides a crucial platform for our elite athletes to sharpen their form, while simultaneously opening doors for grassroots discoveries to step into the spotlight and prove they belong on the big stage,” said Capistrano.

It will be the the second time in a row  that the  ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships are being held at the World Athletics-certified NCC Athletics Stadium that opened with the 30th Philippine SEA Games trackfest in 2019. 

Due to the arena's world-class standards, the athletic competition will also serve as a qualifying event for the 20th Asian Games slated from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

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Philippine Athletics Championships Philippine Sports Commission Patrick Gregorio
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