PHL to host Asian Swimming Championships in 2020

The Asian Swimming Federation (AASF) awarded the Philippines the right to host the 11th Asian Swimming Championships (ASC) in November 2020.

In a press conference on Sunday at the New Clark City Aquatics Center, Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chief Vince Dizon said this would be the first time the country would be hosting the ASC, a major quadrennial event in which athletes from over 50 countries compete.

"This is a very important milestone because it shows that when you have a world class facility, people from all over the region, all over the world, take notice," said Dizon.

According to Taha Bin Silaiman Al Kishry, secretary-general of the AASF, they were looking at the Philippines, Thailand, or Vietnam as the possible host for next year's ASC.

But in the end, the Philippines was chosen due to the New Clark City's facilities, the first sports facility in the country to receive a Class 1 certification from international athletics governing body World Athletics.

The ASC is held every four years. The last edition of the championships was held in Tokyo, Japan in 2016.

The ASC next year would feature five disciplines: swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming.

The championships would be spearheaded by the Philippine Swimming Inc., in collaboration with the BCDA and the Philippine Sports Commission.

"We see this event as an opportunity to not only maximize the use of the world class facilities in the New Clark City, but also to strengthen the local community, promote tourism and showcase hospitality to foreign delegates," PSI President Lani Velasco said.

The 2020  ASC would be held from November 7 to November 17 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center.

Member countries and regions of the AASF, such as Japan, China, and Korea, would be participating in the competition.

About 1,500 athletes and officials were also expected to come to the country for the championships. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News