Manila, Philippines (September 18, 2025) — The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge unites fans in an unforgettable sporting experience, bringing together top national athletes and world-class international vaulters in a rare showcase of talent and pride. PUMA, as an official partner, highlights the athletes’ drive for greatness and unites sports fans internationally through this sporting event. Fans can also look forward to exclusive PUMA apparel as memorable souvenirs from this one-of-a-kind competition in Makati.
Marking its debut as the first-ever major event backed by Atletang Ayala, the challenge sets the stage for athletes to soar to new heights and push their limits in front of an energized crowd.
For two days, from September 20 to 21, Filipino fans will rally behind EJ Obiena as the Ayala Triangle Gardens transforms into a premier athletics venue. The Asian record holder and 2023 World Athletics Championships silver medalist will once again face some of the sport’s biggest names. After taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics, this challenge offers him a chance to reaffirm Filipinos’ place among the world’s best olympic athletes.
A Weekend of World Pole Vault Excellence
PUMA will be selling exclusive event-day merchandise.
The excitement begins on September 20 with a special Meet and Greet at One Ayala. Fans will have the chance to meet their pole vault idols up close, interact with international competitors, and share in the anticipation before the action unfolds.
On the same day, the National Pole Vault Competition takes center stage from 2 to 5 PM, highlighting rising Filipino athletes who will showcase their talent on the same stage as the world’s elite. This Philippine athletic competition underscores the event’s commitment to nurturing homegrown sports excellence and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
The spotlight shifts on September 21 to the international showdown, as the Ayala Triangle Gardens hosts a world-class competition featuring EJ Obiena and nine of the world’s best vaulters. Among them are Ersu Sasma (Turkey), fresh from his 5th place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Thibaut Collet (France) who recently cleared an impressive 5.95m personal best outdoors, and Oleg Zernikel (Germany) who won 4th place at the 2021 European Indoor Championships.
Joining them are Ben Broeders (Belgium), Piotr Lisek (Poland), Menno Vloon (Netherlands), and American standouts Austin Miller and Matt Ludwig.
This gathering of talent is a rare moment for Filipino sports fans, a chance to experience the intensity, skill, and drama of global athletics right here in the Philippines, blending the best of Philippine and international sports culture in one unforgettable weekend.
PUMA Merch Marks This Global Sporting Milestone
PUMA’s exclusive black and white event-day polo will be available to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
To commemorate this milestone, PUMA is preparing exclusive Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge merchandise that will be available only during the event. Fans can anticipate limited-edition polos and t-shirts, offering visitors the opportunity to take home exclusive merchandise from this world-class competition.
Stay tuned for the official launch of the PUMA World Pole Vault Challenge merch. Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram account for the latest updates and releases.
For more information, please visit www.puma.com
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