Direct Translation:
* Paligsahan mismo: This directly translates "contest itself" and emphasizes the specific event or activity.
Contextual Translations:
* Pangunahing paligsahan: This translates to "main contest" and is appropriate if there are preliminary rounds or activities leading up to the main event.
* Pormal na paligsahan: This means "formal contest" and emphasizes the official nature of the event.
* Tunay na paligsahan: This translates to "real contest" and emphasizes the competitive nature of the event.
Alternative:
* Pagsisimula ng paligsahan: This means "start of the contest" and might be appropriate if you're referring to the beginning of the contest after any introductory activities.
Ultimately, the best translation depends on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.