The Philippine athletics team will compete in several international tournaments as part of its preparation for the 16th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar this December.
All but two of the 12-member RP squad will compete separately in the Singapore Open on Sept. 2-3 and the Malaysian Open on Sept. 18-19.
Departing for Singapore with coaches Joseph Sy and Luisito Artiaga are Maristela Torres (long jump), Eduardo Buenavista (10,000m), Rene Herrera (steeplechase), Julius Nieres (400m), Danilo Fresnido (javelin) and Marcedita Manipol (5,000/10,000m).
Athletes bound for Malaysia with coach Isidro del Prado are Ernie Candelario (400m), Rodrigo Tañuan (400m), Arnel Ferrera (hammer throw) and Lerma Bulauitan-Gabito (long jump).
Long jump specialist Henry Dagmil is currently training in California until November, while 400-meter runner Jemar Aying is tied up in military training and will complete his preparation in Baguio City and the Rizal Memorial stadium.
“Maganda ang tsansa natin lalo na sa long jump at sa marathon,” said Artiaga. “Nakaharap na kasi ni Lerma ‘yung mga makakalaban niya sa Doha sa Asian Championship at Grand Prix last year.”
Buenavista was originally set to leave for the Asian Marathon in Beijing on Oct. 15 but his trip was later cancelled because of the event’s proximity to the Doha Games.
