The stage is set as the Philippines hosts the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships on Thursday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion said both the boys’ and girls’ teams, led by Karl Eldrew Yulo and Elisabeth Antone, respectively, are excited to compete against the best gymnasts from 73 countries in one of the biggest junior events in the world.

Also present during the press conference were International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) president Morinari Watanabe, FIG secretary general Nicolas Buompane, Philippine Sport Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, PSC commissioner Edward Hayco, Newport World Resorts chief hospitality manager John Lucas and senior vice president Kathy Mercado.

More than medals, Carrion said having the young gymnasts test themselves against the best in the world will benefit them and the national team program in the long run.

“You couldn’t imagine how excited they are. They were all telling me they want to give their best,” Carrion said, adding that competitions will start as early as 10 a.m. with the men’s individual and team all-around apparatus events.

“It’s good that we are able to give them this experience.”

Gregorio said having 800 athletes will only boost the country’s image and economy as the Philippines continues to host more international events in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s sports tourism initiative.

“I don’t think we can complain that sports are just an expense. It’s not an expense. Sports is an investment for our country,” Gregorio said.

“Sports is an investment for our tourism sector. We can really showcase the beauty of this country.”

Watanabe said the Junior World Championships is a springboard for young athletes who look to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

“The road to the 2028 Los Angeles (Summer Games) starts here in Manila,” Watanabe said.

Only the top 24 of the boys and girls individual all-around will advance to the final on Saturday while the eight best gymnasts per apparatus will vie for gold medals on Sunday and Monday.

Yulo and Antone are the country’s strongest bets as they look to make an impact in front of the home crowd.

Yulo trained under renowned Japanese mentor Munehiro Kugimiya, who was instrumental in molding his older brother, Carlos Yulo, into a double Olympic gold medalist.

The 17-year-old gymnast even bagged a silver medal in the vault in the juniors division last June in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jecheon, South Korea.