All systems go for the Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) as the country hosts the six-day Asian Junior Wrestling Championship starting on Monday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom, Pasay City.
Over 400 athletes from 30 countries are expected to join the tournament which will feature Greco Roman and Freestyle divisions. Only North Korea begged off from the Asian meet sanctioned by the United World of Wrestling, the world governing body of the sport.
“We have the best participants in the region, so we prepared the best accommodation for them,” WAP President Alvin Aguilar said.
The country will be fielding six junior athletes, part of them competed in the Southeast Asian Junior and Cadets Wrestling Championships in Thailand, where they hauled 14 medals.
“I believe we can do well in this tournament. We are the best in Southeast Asia. The problem is that the best wrestlers in the world come from Asia. But I know our own athletes will perform well,” Aguilar added.
Aguilar assured that the country will do a better hosting job since the Manila catered the 2009 edition in the PhilSports Arena. Iran bagged the overall ranking with three golds, one silver and three bronzes.
“We want a world-class hosting of the event. This will be the start because if we can greatly accommodate a prestigious regional meet, more events will come to the Philippines, which means more exposure and experience for our athletes,” he said.