By MARK REY MONTEJO
The Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) braces for a tough schedule ahead as the national team plunges into action in different international tournaments, including the OCR World Championship set in Costa Rica in August.
POSF President Alberto Agra has high hopes that the local athletes can further excel in the sport that is being dominated by the country in regional meets.
In the Southeast Asian Games alone, the Filipinos have pocketed a total of 10 gold medals from the 2019 and 2023 editions.
In last year’s world championship, the Philippines bagged 12 medals highlighted by Kevin Pascua’s golden performance in the men’s 100-meter elite finals.
The national federation is keen on sending 18 athletes that will compete in ninja, obstacle course short and long categories in the Asia-Pacific Championship hosted by Malaysia in July.
“Right now we have eight national teams under POSF, [and] ang ipapadala po for sure ay ‘yong mga national athletes recognized and supported by PSC, these are 18 athletes in ninja, obstacle course short and long,” Agra said in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and ArenaPlus.
The international campaign comes as the obstacle course is not yet certain if it would be included in the calendar of events of next year’s 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.
“Sana nga masama kami next year sa Thailand SEA Games. So pinagta-trabahuhan namin yan,” said Agra, adding the POSF would be lobbying for the inclusion of the sport, which is now considered the fifth discipline in modern pentathlon, replacing equestrian.
