All news tagged FIGArtisticGymnasticsWorldChampionships

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is going all out in its preparations for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for November 20–24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.

The prestigious global event will gather a record-breaking number of nations and athletes, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing prominence in the gymnastics world—especially after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to GAP, delegates will begin arriving by November 14, with some already expressing interest in staying longer to explore the country. Adding star power to the festivities, actor and GAP board member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.

“We are going all out in our effort to host this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion. “It will be a showcase of skills and talent amid a lively, festive, and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for.”

Carrion added that the Philippines’ track record in staging world-class sporting events convinced the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by President Morinari Watanabe, to entrust the hosting to Manila—following the federation’s Congress in Doha in 2024.

With passion, hospitality, and world-class preparation, the Philippines is ready to make history once again on the global gymnastics stage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick "Pato" Gregorio made a special stop in Indonesia to personally rally the Philippine team at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, fresh off attending the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports in Hanoi.

Gregorio, known for his hands-on approach, met separately with the men’s and women’s squads at Hotel Mulia, just ahead of their competitions at the Indonesia Arena. “I believe in going where our athletes compete overseas, hoping this will encourage and inspire them to do better,” said Gregorio, who previously led the Philippine Rowing Association and is a long-time supporter of national athletes.

He shared with Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, as well as Juancho Miguel Besana, Justine Ace de Leon, and John Ivan Cruz, that he even drove two hours from Hanoi to Haiphong to meet Pinoy rowers before flying to Jakarta. “It’s different when you see an official supporting you. It boosts your morale,” he noted.

Gregorio, who witnessed Yulo’s historic Olympic double in Paris, emphasized his emotional connection to gymnastics. “You can’t sing the national anthem when you’re crying,” he recalled of Yulo’s golden moments.

He also encouraged the women’s team, led by Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, plus debutants Elayza Yulo and Haylee Garcia, to use PSC’s Elite Link app to showcase their achievements and connect with potential patrons.

Besides cheering on the team, Gregorio met with Indonesia’s new Sports Minister Eric Thohir to discuss a potential joint Olympic bid by Southeast Asian nations. “If the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia could co-host the FIBA World Cup, there’s no reason Southeast Asia can’t bid for the Olympics together,” he said.

Gregorio returned to the Philippines Sunday night to oversee upcoming priorities, including the Batang Pinoy National Championships, which will gather 21,000 young athletes in General Santos City.