The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships is set to gather close to 1,000 athletes as the country’s premier track and field competition returns to the New Clark Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac from June 10 to 14.

The annual showcase will feature some of the Philippines’ top athletes alongside international competitors, creating one of the largest athletics events on the local calendar. Organizers expect participation numbers to continue rising as final entries are completed.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Terry Capistrano emphasized the significance of the championship in developing the sport and providing athletes with a high-level competitive environment.

“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,” Capistrano said.

International field assembles

The competition will welcome athletes from several countries, adding an international dimension to the event. Participating nations include Chinese Taipei, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Samoa and the United States.

According to PATAFA Secretary General Jasper Tanhueco, registrations have already reached 945 athletes and could climb to approximately 1,000 once all entries are finalized.

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

International delegations are expected to provide strong competition across multiple divisions. South Korea is sending the largest foreign contingent, while Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Singapore will also field sizable teams.

Capistrano said the presence of international athletes helps raise standards for local competitors and contributes to the continued growth of Philippine athletics.

“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.

National stars return

The local field includes 870 athletes from the national pool and various clubs from around the country. Several overseas-based Filipino athletes are also expected to compete.

Leading the entries are Olympians Kristina Knott and Lauren Hoffman, who represented the Philippines at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games, respectively.

Other notable participants include Southeast Asian Games medalist Yacine Guermali, pole vault standout Elijah Cole and sprinter Zion Corrales Nelson.

Capistrano highlighted the championship’s role in supporting both established stars and emerging talents.

“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,” he said.

The event will once again be staged at the World Athletics-certified New Clark Athletics Stadium, which first gained international attention during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

Because of the venue’s world-class standards, performances recorded during the competition will also count toward qualification for the 20th Asian Games scheduled in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio underscored the importance of collaboration in delivering a tournament of this scale and strengthening the country’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.

“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,” Gregorio said.