Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: PATAFA

  • PSC commends ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship as turning point for grassroots sports development 

    PSC commends ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship as turning point for grassroots sports development 

    What unfolded over five days at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium was more than a national championship—it was, for Philippine sports leaders, a blueprint for the future.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio praised the successful staging of the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship.

     

    “The seamless organization of this championship shows how far Philippine athletics has come. Patafa has proven that with vision and discipline, we can stage world-class events right here at home,” PSC Chairman Gregorio said.

     

    The inclusion of an Under-20 division alongside the Under-18 and Open/Elite categories became one of the most significant developments of the meet, signaling a clearer pathway for young athletes transitioning to senior competition. 

     

    For Gregorio, the expansion represents a long-term commitment rather than a short-term adjustment.

     

    He described the addition as a “bold investment in the future of our young athletes,” emphasizing how structured age-group competition can help bridge the gap between grassroots programs and elite international participation.

     

    “Patafa has a very good, well-defined grassroots and talent identification program,” he added.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) president Terry Capistrano echoed that direction, stressing the importance of giving younger athletes more exposure to high-level competition. 

     

    He explained that the Under-20 category was introduced to ensure continuity in athlete development while preparing them for the demands of international competition.

     

    Capistrano revealed a verbal agreement for a dual program between PATAFA and Korea Junior Athletics Federation (KJAF), which includes an open invitation for Filipino athletes to train at world-class facilities in Yecheon, South Korea.

     

    “This partnership with Korea is a game-changer. Our athletes will gain access to world-class training environments, and in return, we strengthen ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic athletics programs,” Capistrano said. 

     

    PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco further outlined the vision behind the collaboration, describing it as an exchange program designed to benefit both countries’ young athletes. Under the proposal, Filipino student-athletes will compete in Korea while Korean athletes are also expected to take part in competitions in the Philippines.

     

    The momentum from the championship is expected to carry forward into future international hosting duties, with PATAFA set to stage the Asian Under-18 Athletics Championships in April 2027 at the same New Clark City venue following the National Open.

     

    This year’s edition of the meet also highlighted its growing international footprint, drawing 1,015 athletes, including 95 competitors from nine countries—the United States, Canada, Samoa, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei—underscoring the Philippines’ rising role as a regional hub for athletics competition.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • “We will have more participants”: PATAFA sets sights on bigger athletics push for Cebu 2028 Asian Beach Games 

    “We will have more participants”: PATAFA sets sights on bigger athletics push for Cebu 2028 Asian Beach Games 

    A small but impactful campaign in Sanya may have just reshaped the long-term vision of the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association.


    Coming off a gold-silver-bronze medal haul in the 6th Asian Beach Games, the federation is already looking ahead—not just to compete, but to transform its presence when the Philippines hosts the 2028 edition in Cebu. 

     

    What began as a modest seven-athlete delegation in China is now expected to evolve into a broader, more ambitious contingent spanning multiple disciplines.

     

    “So, definitely we will have more participants. Prior to our hosting, we’ll have our own qualifying as well. Siyempre, mas paghahandaan natin,” said PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco.

     

    The confidence stems from a campaign that exceeded expectations despite limited exposure to beach athletics. Leonard Grospe led the charge with a gold medal in men’s high jump, while Jessica Laurance added a bronze in the women’s 60m dash. 

     

    The team capped its run with a silver medal in the 4x60m relay, courtesy of Laurance, Kristina Knott, Shane Ponce, and Lianne Pama—completing a full podium set for the country.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Nakita nyo naman, medyo challenge with the high jump also. Siyempre, mga first time din nung ibang athletes natin. Karamihan actually na first time nila to compete sa beach. Kasi last time nito was 2016, if I’m not mistaken… Mas paghahandaan pa natin na tayo yung mag-host po,” Tanhueco said.

     

    The unfamiliarity of sand-based competition didn’t stop the Filipinos from delivering, but it did highlight the importance of preparation. Early arrival in Sanya proved crucial, giving athletes valuable time to adjust—something Tanhueco credits as a decisive advantage.

     

    “Thank you rin kay PSC and POC kasi given na mas maaga po kami talaga. So, mayroon silang enough days to adjust, enough days to try yung sand. Kasi pag, siyempre, mas late tayo dumating, mas konti yung adjustment. Papasalamat po kami kay POC na maaga rin kami pinapunta dito na nag-result din po ng medal natin,” he said.

     

    With Cebu 2028 on the horizon, PATAFA is not just planning to increase numbers—it is also exploring innovation. 

     

    Among the most intriguing possibilities is the inclusion of pole vault in a beach setting, inspired by similar competitions abroad.

     

    “I think yung isang way na maganda is yung pole vault event, which is ginagawa po ito sa Busan. Sa sand, may runway lang yung pole vault. So, maganda po ito,” Tanhueco stated.

     

    Such a move could spotlight EJ Obiena, widely regarded as Asia’s top pole vaulter, while also opening doors for emerging talents to gain international exposure in a unique format.

     

    “Tayo yung number one in Asia with the name of EJ Obiena. So, it’s a good na mapanood din. Hopefully, I mean, I’m not saying na meron kagad, pero tayo yung host. Let’s see,” he added.

     

    From a seven-athlete experiment to a full-scale hosting ambition, PATAFA’s beach games journey is shifting from participation to possibility—one that could redefine how Philippine athletics embraces new terrain on home soil. 

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!