Manila, Philippines, December 17, 2023: Notable Filipino athletes graced the opening ceremony of the 2023 “Batang Pinoy” (Philippine Youth Games) and Philippine National Games at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday.
Tokyo Olympic Games weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz spearheaded the showpiece event, which is being held to unearth future star athletes, together with Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo.
Other leading athletes in attendance were top gymnasts Carlos Edriel Yulo and Karl Eldrew Yulo, Olympic bronze medalist boxer Eumir Marcial, tennis star Alex Eala, 4th Asian Para Games gold medalist Jerrold Mangliwan, para swimmer Angel Mae Otom and long jump queen Elma Muros Posadas.
Athletes who brought grit and passion in sports to represent their hometown experienced the grandest welcome during the parade of participants before going all-out over the next few days in a bid for national supremacy.
The youth and national games are organised by the government’s sports agency, the Philippine Sports Commission.
As part of the celebrations, participants enjoyed fun-filled activities organised by the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organisation to promote the spirit of clean sports among athletes.