At least 1,400 athletes expected at 11th Asian age group swimfest
At least 1,400 athletes expected at 11th Asian age group swimfest
KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
At least 1,400 athletes from 40 nations are expected to participate when the country hosts the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championships on Dec. 3 to 14 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.
Under the auspices of the Asia Swimming Federation, the event is aimed at setting a new mark for hosting with the most number of participants in history of the meet.
“In the absence of the Philippine Swimming Inc., the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will handle the meet together with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA),” said POC President Bambol Tolentino, referring to the National Sports Association that is scheduled to hold an election of officers.
According to Organizing Committee President and CEO Jojit Alcazar, the meet will feature swimming, diving, artistic swimming and water polo across three age groups.
“The facilities are ready,” said BCDA Senior Vice President and Organizing Committee Board Member Arrey Perez.
“With the opening of the newest airport terminal in Clark and the new access roads connecting Clark Airport to New Clark City, we anticipate that we will be able to conveniently host thousands of athletes, officials and tourists visiting the country,” he added.
The previous edition was held in India in 2019, which drew 1,322 participants from 32 nations.
Among the notable past participants of the meet were Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sun Yang of China, Olympic champion Joseph Schooling of Singapore, and world record holder Kosuke Hagino.