EJ Obiena hosts Philippine Pole Vault Challenge on Sept 20

EJ Obiena plans to host the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge on September 20 at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati.

The event, sanctioned by World Athletics and featuring outdoor surfaces meeting global standards, aims to bring Olympic finalists such as Emmanouil Karalis of Greece, Huang Bokai of China, and Oleg Zernikel from Germany to the Philippines.

Obiena confirmed during a virtual press conference on Wednesday that he is dedicating more time to planning the event since his fourth-place finish in the Paris Olympics.

A European consultant has been brought on board to ensure the competition meets World Athletics standards and provides a high-quality experience for local fans.

The 28-year-old pole vaulter revealed that a back injury affected his training leading up to the Paris Olympics but remains optimistic about solidifying his status as one of the best pole vaulters in the world.

Obiena hopes the competition will offer a world-class event in the Philippines, providing local fans with an opportunity to see some of the top athletes in the sport.