Hurdlers Hoffman, Cabang take spotlight in PH Athletics Championships

April 17 ------ Paris Olympics veterans Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino take centerstage as the 2025 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships unfurls at the New Clark City next month. 

After their historic debuts at the French Capital, Hoffman and Cabang will join other elite athletes in Robyn Brown, Kristina Knott, Angel Frank, to name a few, in the tournament which is slated from May 1 to 4. “Actually pinaghandaan talaga nila ‘to, they prepared for it, kasi they are more excited to showcase their talents, performances, gusto nilang ipakita sa mga Pinoy ‘yong kaya nilang gawin,” said Philippine Athletics deputy coach Jeoffrey Chua. “So ‘yong excitement is double or triple compared to last year… we’re expecting [na ‘yong crowd] is more,” Chua added during Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, PLDT/Smart, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.  

Aside from the two Olympians, other national team members, Fil-heritage athletes, and NCR-based schools will participate in the annual event. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, and Papua New Guinea will also send their delegations, bringing the total participants to 800. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena will miss the annual meet due to his commitment to foreign meets. 

The tournament also serves as a selection process for the composition of the national team for October's U18 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, and December’s Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Source: mb.com.ph