Over a thousand Filipino fighters from various combat disciplines have yet to showcase their skills in the international arena.
Some of them could earn the chance to wear the national colors if they make the grade in a qualifying tournament for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (Aimag) in Turkmenistan.
Aimag deputy chef de mission Raymund Lee Reyes announced Monday that the Philippine Sports Commission and Team Philippines Aimag Task Force have organized a qualifying meet for five combat sports without a recognized national sports association (NSA).
The five-day event starting May 29 at Harrison Plaza in Manila will feature fighters at least 18 years old. They will clash for national spots in kickboxing, kurash, sambo, belt wrestling, traditional wrestling and jiu-jitsu, which is the only event with an NSA.
The 5th Aimag set Sept. 17 to 27 will have 62 competing countries.