The Philippines will host the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships for the first time.
Around 400 lifters from all over Asia will be around to seek out medal when action commences from Nov. 4 to 14 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“After so many, many, many years, we never had a hosting before, because we were not ready yet. But now, after we had so many gold medals in the last Asian Youth and Juniors, I feel that we are ready to host this,” said Samahan ng Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella.
Puentevella discussed the country’s hosting following a formal memorandum of agreement with Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) Secretary General Mohammed Ahmed Al Harbi.
Al Harbi, who is also the president of the Saudi Arabia Weightlifting Federation, came to Manila on Wednesday last week for an ocular inspection.
After taking a look at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Al Harbi was delighted at what he saw as he also gave his nod at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which will serve as training venue.
The meet will have a youth division for athletes 13 to 17 years old, while the junior side will be for 15 to 20 years old lifters.
Support from the Philippine Sports Commission was also appreciated after Al Harbi paid a courtesy call on PSC chairman Richard Bachman.
“With the help of the PSC, we will be able to successfully host this,” added Puentevella.
Al Harbi is satisfied that the Philippines has facilities that are ready for the competitions.
“Good infrastructure. All the technical requirements are there,” said Al Harbi.