Karl Eldrew Yulo, John Ivan Cruz headline PH bid in FIG World Cup in Baku

The Philippines will once again be represented on the international gymnastics stage as Filipino gymnasts Karl Eldrew Yulo and John Ivan Cruz compete in the 2026 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku, Azerbaijan from March 5 to 8.

While Cruz brings experience as a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, much of the spotlight will be on Yulo, who is stepping into a new chapter of his career — his first appearance in a senior-level World Cup competition.

For the 18-year-old gymnast, the tournament marks more than just another international event. It is his transition from a decorated junior athlete into the highly competitive senior ranks, where the level of difficulty and pressure rises significantly.

Despite the expectations surrounding him, Yulo is approaching the event with humility and a focus on growth rather than results.

“Ngayon po low expectations kumbaga since first. Maraming makakalaban, marami akong matutunanan. Marami akong kailangan i-improve,” he said.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

TEAM PH STARTS WORLD CUP RUSH

SEA Games gold medalist John Ivan Cruz and Junior Worlds bronze medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo will compete in the 2026 FIG World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan from March 5 to 8.

This marks Yulo’s first competition in the senior level. (: GAP) pic.twitter.com/zoSfQXpgpq

— Paige Javier (@PaigeJavier) March 4, 2026

Yulo last competed in the FIG Junior World Championships held in Manila in November, where he continued to showcase the promise that has made him one of the most dominant young gymnasts in Philippine grassroots competitions such as Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa.

In Baku, he is set to compete across multiple apparatuses, the floor exercise, vault, rings, parallel bars, and high bars — testing his skills against athletes from more than 30 countries. 

The World Cup series is also significant as it offers ranking points toward qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.

The younger Yulo has spent part of his preparation overseas, training in Japan under coach Munehiro Kugimiya — the same mentor who guided his older brother, two-time Olympic champion Carlos Yulo.

Philippine gymnastics officials believe Eldrew has the potential to follow a similar path, provided he remains healthy and continues developing his skills.

“I just hope he doesn’t get injured. Without injury, he can really make it. Because he’s very active. I said dahan-dahan lang Eldrew, I don’t want you to get hurt because you’re talagang magaling,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion.

After the Baku leg, Yulo will not have much time to rest. He is also scheduled to compete in another World Cup event in Antalya, Turkey from March 12 to 15, another opportunity to gain valuable experience on the senior stage.

For now, the focus is on Baku, where the young Filipino gymnast begins carving out his own identity in international gymnastics — not just as the younger brother of an Olympic champion, but as an athlete building a career of his own.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!