CEBU CITY—The staging of the first Asean Youth Archery Championships could open up more youth-oriented international tournaments in the region and the Asian region, the World Archery Philippines leadership said Thursday.

"We pray that this initial tournament will spark our Southeast Asian and Asian neighbors in organizing more international youth competitions in both the recurve and compound disciplines so we can scout our promising athletes at an early age and keep them in the sport," said Aranas in his speech read for him by WAP secretary general Rosendo Sombrio during the event's inaugurals.

"This event will test the capabilities of our young archers as they prepare for the big international events next year," he said during the simple opening rites held at the Dynamic Herb Sports Complex.

"As iron sharpens iron, World Archery Philippines is optimistic that this initiative will hasten the development of our promising young archers in Southeast Asia and Asia, encouraging them to continue and compete in the dynamic sport we all love," he added.

"That close to 300 archers from Chinese-Taipei, India, Indonesia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the Philippines are here shows the growing need for competitions at the age group level so there can be a smooth transition among our budding archers through the ranks until they reach senior play," Aranas stressed.

Gracing the opening  were Thailand's Sanguan's Kosavinta, Southeast Asia Archery Federation president, South Korea's Dr. Sungho Um, former World Archery Asia secretary general, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, Councilor Dondon Hontiveros, Commissioner Edward Hayco of the Philippine Sports Commission and Cebu City Sports Commission chairman John Pages.

The initial eliminations and qualifying rounds were held yesterday in both the recurve and compound events in the Under-10,  Under-15, Under-18 and Under-21 age groups in both boys and girls divisions of the tournament supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Cebu Sports Commission and Cebu City government.

The members of the Philippine team who saw action in the world youth archery championships in Limerick, Ireland last July are competing under their respective clubs.