A lean Philippine national athletics team has promised a strong showing in the Asian Athletics Championships as it departs today for Gumi, South Korea.

“Around 17 delegates, including the coaches, will be leaving from (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 1,” Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE Saturday.

Some athletes, including celebrated pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, are already in Korea days before the meet opens on Tuesday.

Obiena, 29, is shooting for his third straight gold medal after dominating the 2019 edition in Doha and the 2023 staging in Bangkok.

Robyn Brown will also defend the women’s 400-meter hurdles title she won back in Thailand.

“The expectation from the Philippine team for the Asian Championships is to deliver stronger performances than they did at the Philippine Championships, especially since the level of competition will be higher and the athletes will be more pushed,” Tanhueco said.

Also competing are Olympic hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman, distance runner Yacine Guermali, long jumper Lonard Grospe, and sprinter Kristina Knott.