PHL contingent gets SEA Games bid under way
THE 490-athlete Philippine contingent for the 29th Southeast Asian Games begin their campaign as the two-week regional sporting meet officially kicks off tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Competing in 37 events out of a possible 38, Team Philippines aims to better its showing in the previous staging of the Games back in 2015, where it finished with a total medal haul of 29 gold medals, 26 silver and 66 bronze, good for sixth place.
Local sports officials said the target for this edition of the Games is to bring home at least 50 gold medals.
As the athletes went off to compete, top sports brass of the land were one in wishing them the best and reminding them to give their all and compete with integrity and respect, the way Philippine athletes always have.
Citing the great Filipino athletes that have represented the country in many international competitions, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez highlighted the need for the athletes to bring their A-game for flag and country come the Games.
“When you go there, don’t just go there for yourselves. Every single Filipino is cheering for you. You athletes are the heart and souls of this country. Fight with integrity and give your best,” said Mr. Ramirez during his speech at the athletes’ sendoff last week.
On the part of Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco, Jr., he brought to fore how Filipinos have fighting hearts and would not back down to challenges easily.
“Always remember you’re representing the Filipino people. The fighting heart and the fighting spirit are always there and the Filipino will never stop fighting. You are Filipinos, you are sportsmen, and you have the guts to compete with the best of them,” said Mr. Cojuangco in his own speech.
Serving as chef- de- mission of Team Philippines, which also includes some 200 coaches, is Cynthia Carrion, who expressed bullishness over the country’s chances in this latest edition of the Games.
EARLY MEDAL HAULS
Meanwhile, the Philippines bagged silver and bronze medals even before the SEA Games formally opened care of sepak takraw and archery.
The Philippine sepak takraw squad got the silver medal in the men’s chin lone linking event 3 at the Stadium Titiwangsa on Wednesday.
After months of training in the lead-up to the Games, the sepak takraw team saw its efforts pay off as it collected a score of 271 to finish behind host country Malaysia, which finished with a commanding 391 points.
“Chin lone is a subjective sport so it’s really difficult to beat the host country,” said Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero, whose wards made it to the finals after besting Brunei, 293-157.
Ms. Tanchanco-Caballero said they expect a couple of gold medals in regu events in the coming days, but they would rather keep it low key to avoid complacency.
After that, archer Paul dela Cruz followed suit as he nipped Zulfadhli Ruslan, 10-9, in a thrilling sudden- death, shoot- off to salvage the bronze medal in the men’s individual archery compound event at the Synthetic Turf Field inside the KL Sports City in Bukit Jalil. —