THE big turnout for the third FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship has encouraged the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to let the Philippines host another international event next year.
Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and its president Cynthia Carrion said this after the FIG gave the country its nod to manage the staging of the 2026 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
“They’ve seen our facilities and they are so impressed. Next year, we’re going to have the Asian senior championships, too,” said Carrion.
“It’s towards the end of the year (2026). Jakarta hosted it three years ago. And they already have the facilities,” added Carrion.
Approval was granted after top officials of the FIG arrived in Manila this week to inspect the competition venue to be used for the Asian junior world meet.
Organizers expect to list more than 1,500 athletes from 79 countries to show up for the Junior World Championship, organized by the GAP and sanctioned by FIG, from Nov. 20 to 24 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
Carrion and GAP officials met with FIG executives, led by Men Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs, who took a look at the Marriott Hotel facilities and also discussed his observations with Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Technical Committee President Donatella Sacchi.
MAG Senior Events Manager Stepane Detraz and WAG Senior Events Manager Celine Cachemaille were also around.
“This event is a very important one in the world of artistic gymnastics. It is the event that is a stepping stone for future stars,” said Tombs.
