The Athletics Stadium at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac is seen on October 16, 2019 during a site visit. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA -- Close to 1,000 athletes, including entries from foreign countries, will see action in the ICTSI Philippine Athletic Championships set for June 10-14 at the New Clark Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.
A total of 870 Filipino athletes will compete, including those in the national pool and others representing local clubs.
Chinese-Taipei, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Samoa and the United States are sending competitors to the trackfest that is also presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.
"So far, we already had 945 registered athletes for the competition and we could hit 1,000 once the complete list is in," said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Secretary General Jasper 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 athletes 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 official added.
PATAFA President Terry Capistrano said the event is "vital" for the growth of the sport in the country.
"Gathering our nation’s finest athletes alongside international contenders at a world-class venue like New Clark City raises the competitive bar for everyone," he said.
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.
"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," said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, for his part. "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."
The competition also serves as a qualifying event for the 20th Asian Games slated from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.