• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A Bacolodnon is planning to bring in an international basketball tournament to Negros Occidental.
Singapore-based basketball coach, Nathaniel Salanga, a Bacoleño, announced that he is organizing a World Youth Championship in Bacolod City on December 13 to 16 this year.
Salanga, who previously played at the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 2004 to 2009, said players from Australia, Japan, Thailand, Korea, aside from Singapore and the Philippines, will participate in the international tournament.
The tournament will feature 5v5 youth basketball competitions, with 75 teams expected to participate – 45 international teams and 30 local teams.
The goal of the event, according to Salanga, is to bring together youth basketball teams from around the world in a friendly and competitive environment that promotes sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and grassroots development.
Hosting the event in Bacolod City aims to uplift provincial youth and promote regional sports tourism, he added.
By joining the World Youth Championship, Salanga disclosed that young athletes will gain valuable experience by playing against top teams from Asia and beyond, enhancing their skills and confidence.
The tournament will serve as a platform for scouts and coaches to identify promising young players, aside from giving them opportunity to meet peers from other cultures and build friendships that transcend borders, he added.
The event will demonstrate Bacolod’s capability to host international sports events, proving that the city is ready for the global stage, Salanga said.
Young players in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental will also engage with international talent without leaving home, which can elevate their game, he added.
On the other hand, the tournament is also expected to attract families, officials, and supporters, boosting local activity for hotels, restaurants, and vendors.
This historic event presents an opportunity to build pride, strengthen community spirit, and forge international connections right here in the heart of the province, Salanga said.
The son of local broadcaster icon Fred Salanga, Nathaniel is the founder of Heart of Basketball , World Youth Championship tournament, Super League – Singapore, and Asian Basketball Club tournament, all in Singapore.*
