By MARK REY MONTEJO
Sprinter Anfernee Lopena and Lianne Pama spearhead the Philippine athletics team that will compete at the inaugural of the 2025 Indian Open at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar starting Sunday, Aug. 10.
Vying in the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Level under the tutelage of coaches Jeoffrey Chua and Bonifacio Loraña, Lopena is not promising anything but vowed to do his utmost best to make their India journey very special.
Same thing for the charming Pama, who traces her roots in Marbel, South Cotabato.
Other members of the team are middle distance runners Bernalyn Bejoy and Hussein Loraña.
Both Lopena and Pama will take part in their respective 100 meter categories, while Bejoy and Loraña set to race in the 800m events.
“Let’s cheer them on as they carry our flag with pride!” the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association wrote on its social media post.
Pama made a stellar comeback after ruling the women’s 100m event at this year’s National Open where she clocked 11.83seconds – almost bettering record of 11.71.
The four Philippine bets are among the 150 athletes from more than 10 countries in the tournament which is a second tier just behind the prestigious Diamond League.
