Top-tier swimmers expect to arrive for AAGC to earn Olympic points

EXPECT a huge turnout of top-tier swimmers across Asia as the World Aquatics (WA) announced that the 11th Asian Age Group Championships which the country hosting from February 26 to March 9 will be used as a qualifying meet for the Paris Olympics in August.

Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) secretary-general Batangas 1st District Eric Buhain said the local organizing committee received the WA memorandum making the prestigious event a much memorable one for the Filipino athletes and the whole swimming community.

“The Philippine Team composed of homegrown swimmers is looking for a breakthrough here as they compete with the best in the continent. With Olympic points at stake, we expected teams from China, Japan, and other heavyweights to send their best swimmers,” said Buhain in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Conference Room.

World Championships veteran Xiandi Chua and SEA Games gold medal winner Chloe Isleta will be leading the PH Team in the 18-over class, along with topnotch junior internationalists Jamesray Ajido, Heather White, and Jasmine Mojdeh.

Buhain was joined in the weekly forum by LOC Chief Organizing Officer Dave Carter and LOC President and Chief Executive Officer Jojit Alcazar.

Alcazar stressed that everything is in place from transportation — from the airport to the hotel and athletes’ village — for the more than 1,000 athletes and officials– to food, accommodation, and venue.

The tournament features four disciplines: swimming (Feb. 26-29), diving (Feb. 26-March 1), artistic swimming (March 2-6) and water polo (March 3-9).

Tickets are now on sale online at https://www.ticketmax.ph/events/11th-asian-age-group-swimming-championship/