The Philippine athletics team will spend 10 days training in Japan as it fine-tunes its preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE that the Filipino tracksters will hold camp at Nippon Sport Science University from 14 to 24 September.

The national team flew to Japan yesterday morning from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

“We're there for the training camp. It's good that it's at the Nippon Sport Science University,” Tanhueco said in a phone conversation.

“Actually, we talked to a lot of training camps in Nagoya. But, of course, this was the first one, so we reserved it.”

Tanhueco is optimistic the camp will help bring the local and overseas-based athletes together before the competition begins on 23 September at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium.

“It’s been a long time. It’s a matter of scheduling because, of course, our overseas-based athletes have different schedules,” Tanhueco said.

The Philippines is hoping to build on its strong showing in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena won the gold medal after clearing a meet-record 5.90 meters.

Olympic hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman are expected to lead the 24-member squad in Nagoya.

While PATAFA is keeping expectations measured, Tanhueco believes the team has enough quality to challenge for medals.

“Well, all I can say is, we can't say a specific number because we don't want to add additional pressure to our athletes. But all I can say is, we believe that this team has the potential to contend for medals,” Tanhueco said.

“We just hope that, of course, they have a good performance for our country and achieve good results for the Philippines.”