Patafa loading up on top talents
NAGOYA Asian Games 800-meters bronze medalist Victoria Bossong is one of PATAFA’s brightest talents on its ever-expanding pool.
Photograph courtesy of POC Media pool
The national athletics team is looking to build on its gains in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan with a deeper national team, overseas training camps and more international competitions expected to boost its campaign next year.
The national team faces a busy 2027 calendar kicking off with the Asian Athletics Championships in May, followed by the World Athletics Championships and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September, while also laying the groundwork for qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) secretary general Jasper Tanhueco told DAILY TRIBUNE that the team has the depth and potential to improve on its recent performances, with Asian Games bronze medalists John Cabang and Victoria Bossong adding to the strength of a squad led by two-time Olympian Ernest John Obiena.
The Philippines finished the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya Japan with one gold and two bronze medals, its best finish in the 21st century.
“Next year will be an exciting year for Philippine athletics because there will be several major competitions,” Tanhueco said.
“What’s encouraging is that we have a capable and competitive team heading into next year. Many athletes are coming up, and our younger athletes continue to improve. Those who competed in the SEA Games are also hungry to win more medals, so I believe our team will be stronger.”
The association is also planning to send more athletes overseas for training, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.
Tanhueco said exposure to stronger training partners can help Filipino athletes raise their level, particularly those who have limited opportunities to work with competitors of similar or greater ability at home.