PH athletes to join Asian Games test events in Jakarta

MANILA -- Filipino athletes will compete in the Asian Games test events scheduled next week in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Julian Philippine chef Camacho de mission delegation said the athletes are from athletics, boxing, pencak silat and taekwondo.

"We are invited to join six events but we are only sending athletes to the four events," said Camacho. According to the Xinhua News Agency, Indonesia will host test events in eight sports namely athletics, archery, 5x5 basketball, boxing, pencak silat, taekwondo and volleyball. Test events are usually held by the host country to ensure the smooth running of the competition during the Games proper. The Asian Games will be held from August 18 to September 2 in Indonesia's capital city, along with Palembang in South Sumatra province. The tournament will have a total of 462 events in 40 sports. Camacho said 145 athletes have already qualified to compete in the Asian Games based on the criteria set by the Philippine Olympic Committee Board.

"There are 189 ath- letes who still have upcoming tournaments where the results will determine their inclusion in the Asian Games-bound delegation," said Camacho, who was deputy chef de mission during the 2014 Incheon Asian Games.

Meanwhile, Camacho is scheduled to leave on Friday for Thailand to attend the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) meeting.

"The SEAGF wants us to report on the status of our preparation for the hosting of the SEA Games next year," said Camacho, who also serves as POC treasurer.

Camacho said he will present during the meeting the venues that will be used for the biennial tour-

nament, which the Philippines will be hosting for the fourth time.

"Athletics and aquatics will be held in Clark, Pampanga; watersports will be in Subic, Zambales; while basketball and volleyball will be held in Manila," said Camacho.

The Philippines hosted the SEA Games in 1981, 1991 and 2005. PNA