In an exciting development, the Philippines is set to host a crucial qualifying event for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
The 11th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships, scheduled from February 26 to March 9 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac, will play a pivotal role as a qualifier for this year’s Summer Games. The event is anticipated to draw approximately 1,300 athletes representing 31 countries, all vying for top honors in the four featured disciplines: swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo.
The organizers, led by Representative Eric Buhain, the secretary-general of the Philippine Aquatics Inc., shared this significant update during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex conference hall. Joseph “Jojit” Alcazar, the president and CEO of the Organizing Committee, highlighted the recent declaration that the tournament has attained Olympic Qualifying status for Paris.
“Just two days ago, it has been declared the tournament is an Olympic Qualifying event for Paris,” said Alcazar, who, along with COO Dave Carter and Buhain, participated in the weekly session sponsored by San Miguel Corp., Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, PLDT/Smart, and ArenaPlus, the leading sports entertainment gateway in the Philippines.
Buhain further emphasized, “That also means there will be world-class swimmers coming in and doing their best to make the qualifying times for Paris. So napakalaking opportunity ito to host and see these swimmers. Bihirang-bihira na makakita tayo ng ganitong kalibreng mga atleta sa larangan ng aquatics na darating dito sa ating bansa.”
The event is poised to showcase the talents of athletes from around the globe, making it a rare and significant opportunity to witness top-tier aquatics athletes competing on Philippine soil. Approximately 1,300 athletes from 31 nations are anticipated to partake in the competition, engaging in swimming, diving, artistic swimming, and water polo disciplines.
