World Youth Basketball Championship Set in Bacolod

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – At least 75 foreign and local teams are expected to compete in the World Youth Championship, which will be held for the first time in Bacolod City and the province of Negros Occidental this December.

Nathaniel Frederick Salanga, a Bacolod native and founder of the Singapore-based World Youth Championship, told reporters that around 45 international and 30 local teams will participate in the event.

Salanga said the WYC is an annual sports tournament he launched in Singapore two years ago, traditionally held during the country’s National Day from August 8 to 10.

This year’s Singapore leg will feature 70 teams from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore.

The Bacolod tournament is scheduled for Dec. 13 to 16, marking the WYC’s Philippine debut.

Salanga said the WYC aims to bring together youth basketball teams from around the world in a friendly yet competitive environment that promotes sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and grassroots development.

He emphasized that hosting the tournament in Bacolod will uplift provincial youth and promote regional sports tourism.

He added that young athletes will gain international exposure by facing top teams from across Asia, helping them improve their skills and build confidence.

The event also serves as a platform for scouts and coaches to identify emerging talents, he said.

Beyond the games, Salanga highlighted that the WYC fosters friendships and cultural understanding among young players from different backgrounds.

Hosting the tournament in Bacolod also proves the city is capable of organizing international events and ready for the global stage, he noted.

“It breaks the norm of hosting major events only in capital cities and highlights the potential of the provinces,” he said.

He added that the event will give Bacolod’s young athletes a rare chance to test their skills against international counterparts.

The WYC is also expected to boost local tourism and economic activity, with families, officials, and supporters patronizing hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

Salanga said the championship will not only raise the profile of basketball development in the region but also empower the next generation of Filipino athletes.

“It is a historic opportunity to build pride, community spirit, and international bridges — right here in the heart of the province,” he said.

Salanga is the younger brother of Bacolod Councilor Israel Salanga and a former varsity player at the University of Perpetual Help.