The ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships will not just serve as mere tryouts but an ultimate showcase of talents, determination and ambition of around 959 athletes who will vie for pride and glory starting Thursday at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

Philippine Track and Field Association (Patafa) secretary general Jasper Tanhueco said they expect the country’s brightest stars to step up and display their mettle against their foreign rivals in the biggest and most prestigious athletics event in the country.

“We are expecting a very high level of competition this year, with many strong foreign teams participating. Athletes will also benefit from a dedicated warm-up track and world-class facility,” Tanhueco said.

“This event will not only showcase the best talents in athletics but will help our national athletes to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September and provide an opportunity to discover hidden potential, particularly among the under-18 athletes.”

Aside from home bets, who are competing for personal accolades and national pride, athletes from Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, India and Papua New Guinea are all expected to see action as they bid for precious World Athletics ranking points.

More Filipino-foreign athletes like middle-distance runner Yacine Guermali, thrower William Morrison, and hurdler Robyn Brown, are also expected to grace the annual athletics meet and flex their muscles against the competition.

Olympic hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman as well as sprinter Kristina Knott are also expected to be favorites in their respective categories.

With the tournament fielding world-class athletes, Tanhueco is optimistic that Patafa will be able to produce the best athletes for the Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Bahrain this October and the 33rd SEA Games from 9 to 20 December in Bangkok.

“Performances during the event will serve as a primary basis for selection to upcoming major competitions, including the Asian Youth Athletics Championships this October in Bahrain for the U18 category, and the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand,” Tanhueco said.

“Our goal is to field the best athletes and to start a dedicated training camp later this year.”

The Philippines looks to surpass the 4-10-8 gold-silver-bronze medal tally it produced in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023.