MANAMA, Bahrain - After more than a decade of absence, the spotlight falls on the next generation of athletes anew as the Asian Youth Games makes its much-awaited comeback in the world sports conclave.
This modern archipelago by the Persian Gulf plays host in the 3rd edition of the quadrennial showcase for athletes 14 to 18 years old and welcomes more than 8,000 delegates from 45 countries competing in 253 events out of 24 sports.
READ Carpio wins first PH gold at Asian Youth Games in pencak silat
A touch of the rich Arab culture blended with modern technology showcases the colorful opening ceremony on Wednesday night at the Exhibition World Bahrain to be graced by no less than King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
The monarch and head of state of the Kingdom of Bahrain is set to open the games which make a comeback after its last staging in 2013 in the province of Nanjing, China.
Boxer Leo Mhar Lobrido and volleybelle Harlyn Serneche will be the official flagbearers for the Philippines as they lead the 200-strong Filipino delegation during the traditional march past of nations.
POC photo
The country is off to an inspiring start in the 12-day meet as pesilat Kram Airam Carpio gave the Filipinos their first gold medal even before the conclave officially began.
Carpio ruled the girls' 51-55 kg event of pencak silat on Monday, placing the country on track to equaling or surpassing the two gold medals it won in 2013 courtesy of taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez and golfer Mia Legaspi.
"Sobrang taas ng morale natin nito. Definitely this will be different from the previous one in Nanjing in 2013 when we had two golds," said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino.
"With this opening salvo, malamang malalampasan natin yan."
Tolentino along with athletes and officials attended the flag-raising ceremony as the Philippines formally joined the AYG family in ceremonies held on the eve of the opening rites.
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