National pool members to play in PNG

After showcasing their talents in the Southeast Asian Games, Filipino athletes should next train their sights in the coming Philippine National Games (PNG).

Commissioner Celia Kiram of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said the PNG has been pegged in May and attendance is a must for all athletes in the national training pool.

“Otherwise, they can be dropped from the roster and face the possibility of being replaced,” Kiram said.

The PNG, an annual sportsfest featuring all sports under the national team program, is a platform organized by the PSC open to all athletes, including those who are not legitimate members of the training pool.

“It’s an opportunity for those who want to become a part of the national pool,” Kiram said.

“For those who are already members of the team, they should prove that they really deserve the spot,” Kiram added.

Over 1,200 athletes who are financially backed by the PSC from 56 sports are required to compete in the PNG set to be played at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and Philsports in Pasig City.

The PNG serves as an assessment guide for the PSC and the national sports associations to determine the national athletes’ performance level.

This year’s edition is projected to be the biggest PNG in history due to the addition of several sports. INQ