by Coach Emer Matienzo
Bangkok, Thailand – August 19, 2024
The Asian Open Schools Invitational (AOSI) Short Course Swimming Championships 2024 concluded yesterday at Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus in Bangkok, Thailand. The meet saw over 600 swimmers from 14 Asian countries compete in a highly competitive and energetic atmosphere, showcasing some of the finest age-group talents in the region.
Among the standout performers was the Philippines’ very own Mikhael Jasper Mojdeh, a swimmer from PH BEST, who emerged as the most bemedaled athlete of the meet. Mojdeh collected an impressive total of nine medals, seven of them gold, solidifying his status as a future star under the guidance of Coach Jeremiah Paez. His dominance across multiple events left a lasting impression on the competition.
Swim League Philippines (SLP) sent its own contingent to compete in this prestigious event, with SLP Patriots, headed by Head Coach Biboy Asturias, putting on a commendable performance. The coaching staff, including Assistant Coach Justin de Jesus, and Team Manager Rolando dela Cruz, together with Coaches Elmer Corpuz, Emer Matienzo, Nikko Lara, Christopher Calimlim, Emmanuel Oñate, Arnold Dela Cruz, Crispy Vallejo, Jeremiah Paez, and Coach Kevin, worked diligently to ensure their swimmers were well-prepared.
In addition to their competitive edge, SLP’s participation in the AOSI Championships holds significant value beyond medals and points. SLP President Fred Ancheta expressed the association’s ongoing commitment to promoting and elevating swimming in the Philippines. “We believe in the power of international exposure for our young athletes,” Ancheta said. “By sending age-group swimmers to competitions like this, we provide them with an invaluable opportunity to develop their skills, learn from peers across Asia, and forge bonds with athletes from neighboring countries.”
The value of international age-group competitions like AOSI cannot be understated. For swimmers, these events present a chance to experience high-level competition and to improve both their mental and physical preparedness. The exposure to different cultures and training methodologies helps shape their development not only as swimmers but as individuals.
For parents and coaches, international meets serve as a benchmark for the progress of their swimmers. Coaches gain insights into new techniques, strategies, and coaching practices from across the continent. Meanwhile, parents witness the resilience and adaptability of their children as they compete on the international stage. The supportive environment allows families to bond and gain a deeper appreciation of their child’s commitment to the sport.
SLP’s impact also extended to promoting inclusivity, as they proudly included swimmers with special needs (SPED) in their delegation. This initiative reinforces the idea that swimming is a sport for everyone and highlights the league’s mission to foster camaraderie and unity across all segments of society.
In the overall team standings, the top five teams of the competition showcased exceptional depth and talent. Maharashtra Aquatics from India placed fifth with 1,217 points, while Team Kazakhstan finished in fourth with 1,484 points. Benjarong Thailand secured third place with 1,549 points, followed by Stingray Swimming Team Thailand with 2,196 points. Dominating the competition was Bangkok Elite Swim Team Thailand, claiming the championship title with a staggering 3,335 points.
Another highlight of the meet was the presence of Paris Olympian Jenjira Sri-saard from Thailand, who set a new national record in the women’s 100-meter individual medley with a blistering time of 1:02.47 in the 25-meter pool. Her performance inspired many young athletes, illustrating the heights that can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
For Swim League Philippines, the AOSI Championships were more than just a competition – it was an opportunity to build friendships and foster peace across borders. The association’s ethos of promoting camaraderie among Asian nations shone brightly throughout the event. As a result of their exemplary sportsmanship, SLP Patriots have received invitations to future age-group competitions from teams in India, Mongolia, and Vietnam.
As the swimming community in Asia continues to grow, international age-group meets such as the AOSI Championships play a critical role in developing young athletes. The benefits extend beyond the pool, creating lifelong connections and contributing to a stronger, more united Asian swimming fraternity. Swim League Philippines, with its focus on both athletic excellence and building bridges, remains at the forefront of this movement, exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship and unity in the region.