Butch knows SEA Games war strategy
NOW they are talking sense. How many disciplines are medal-rich? Or better yet, which events stake the most number of gold medals?
I refer to the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
On Aug. 19 to Aug. 31, we compete anew in the SEA Games, the “barangay-level” component of world sporting events.
It is considered “barangay-level” simply because the world’s best aren’t usually entered in the SEA Games. Too low for their standards.
Not to belittle, never meaning to deride, but athletes competing in the SEA Games aren’t world-class. Merely, they are the kind that might yet—with a little luck—get the nod for them to be dispatched later for tougher battles overseas.
Thus, it is in the SEA Games—at most—where potential world-beaters belong. Testing ground. Breeding place. Initiation rites, if you may. In short, athletes in the SEA Games must, more or less, win gold medals if they are to qualify for future engagements that do matter.
OK, a silver in the SEA Games might merit a reconsideration. Especially if the gold had been within reach; it got away by dint of sheer luck?
But a bronze? Uhoh. Goodbye, Olympiad, if not the Asian Games.
Now, if the third-placer was a rookie and his finish had come after a hard-fought battle for the gold/silver, then a review might prosper, yet again. Otherwise, you get the boot.
OK, for the record, the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games this year has 60 gold medals in aquatics alone. Just win one-fourth of that and, easily, we might yet eclipse our fifth-place finish two years ago.
And, look at this, athletics is offering 46 gold medals. Don’t we have more than enough bets to do the gold-grabbing binge in this event? Popoy Juico should have the answer.
There’s more. Cycling, pencak silat and gymnastics will each stake 20 gold medals. Aren’t we strong in all three events?
Here’s to Chairman Butch Ramirez of Philippine Sports Commission. Again, he deserves applause for his commendable move to identify gold-rich events in the SEA Games.
For sure, he knows his war worries a.k.a. strategy and tactics.
As one battle-scarred sage said: “Know thy enemy and you win half of the battle.”
I’m glad Butch is battle-ready.
Here’s to Chairman Butch Ramirez of Philippine Sports Commission. Again, he deserves applause for his commendable move to identify gold-rich events in the SEA Games.