Filipina-Canadian Kayla Noelle Sanchez is skipping the World Aquatics Championships scheduled from July 14 to 30 in Fukuoka, Japan so she can focus on the Asian Games.

Sanchez, born to Filipino parents and grew up in Canada, won a silver medal (4x100m freestyle relay) and a bronze (4x100m medley relay) as a member of the Canadian team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Wednesday that Sanchez, upon the advice of her coach, has decided to concentrate on the Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

“I have met with my coach, and we have decided it is best for me not to compete in Fukuoka,” the 22-year-old Sanchez told Tolentino. “This means I can be focused to medal in the Asian Games in September.”

“I have a very intense competition schedule after Asian Games with another world championships and the Olympics,” the 5-foot-5 swimmer added.

Tolentino said he trusts Sanchez and her coach’s decision on competing in Hangzhou.

“Kayla’s a veteran swimmer, even at only 22, and she and her coach know what’s best,” he said.

Sanchez said she would want to wait for the full confirmation from World Aquatics on her eligibility to compete for the Philippines.

“Before I withdraw from the competition, I think we should wait until World Aquatics approves my transfer. At least then, we know that I am 100 percent cleared to race for the Philippines in the Asian Games,” said Sanchez, who must complete a one-year residency in the Philippines to complete her transfer.

She thanked Tolentino helping her get the approval from World Aquatics.

“And I think this is the best decision for me right now and I will make it count next year,” she added. (PNA)