Familiar faces are expected to come up with great performances in the coming 2023 Batang Pinoy (BP) and Philippine National Games (PNG) beginning on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and at the Philsports Complex in Pasig.
But surprises are expected to happen, from young and unknown talents who will try to make an impression during the weeklong sports meet.
“Alex Eala and Eumir Marcial will be there. The 18-under athletes will get to see their idols. But I’m sure that there will be surprises,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Bachmann.
Close to 14,000 athletes from ages 17 and below are set to compete in the BP, with almost 4,000 athletes from ages 18 and above entered in the PNG.
Sports officials believe that a lot of talented athletes will come up with exceptional showings in the 25 sports competitions that will be held.
These competitions will be in archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball 3×3, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, football, gymnastics, judo, karatedo, kickboxing and lawn tennis.
There will also be events in muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, beach volleyball, wrestling, weightlifting and wushu.
“There will be lots of surprises in the Batang Pinoy, than in the PNG. Kilala na iyung mga older athletes The younger athletes in the 18-under level will showcase their talents,” said commissioner Fritz Gaston.
All participants, coaches, and delegations from almost 200 LGUs are set to gather in the opening ceremonies on Sunday.
Notable athletes who shone bright in meet will be around with other Filipino sports legends at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
This includes 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Marcial.