PH to host 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships

Young athletes at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) Gym in Intramuros Manila. Photo by Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — The Philippines is set to host the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

The tournament, which will be held from November 15 to 24 later this year, will take place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, and this is after the FIG Executive Committee awarded the country with the hosting.

"I am delighted that the FIG Executive Committee has awarded the Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines," said FIG President Morinari Watanabe.

"This means that this year's junior and senior world championships in artistic gymnastics will both be held in countries that have never held a world championship before.”

“It will be an adventure like gymnastics' own discovery of the Americas, where recent continental championships have also been held in new countries. Independence and challenges have begun all over the world. FIG welcomes them and we will all support them,” added Watanabe.

The Philippines has the perfect gymnast to inspire national gymnasts and fans alike, especially with Carlos Yulo’s double golden glory in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

"The Philippines is very grateful and happy to be given the hosting rights for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion.

Yulo was already celebrated in the Philippines even before his historic campaign in last year’s Summer Games, but bringing home two golds allowed him to elevate the sport in the country to new heights.

And with the Filipinos’ interest in artistic gymnastics rising more than ever, it is just fitting for Manila to be the host of the latest edition of the junior world championships.

“It is the very first time that the FIG has given us this honor and I will do everything in my power to make sure it is a successful event since FIG President Watanabe and the FIG Executive Committee have put their trust in me,” Carrion added.

Both men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics are expected to be featured in the said championships.