Despite a few setbacks through the opening days of the 2026 Asian Games, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains steadfast in his prediction that Team Pilipinas can win at least eight gold medals.
Tolentino refused to lower his expectations after the Philippines saw several medal hopes fall short, including Jean Claude Saclag, who settled for silver after losing in the gold medal match of the men’s traditional mixed martial arts -65kg division.
Aira Villegas also bowed out of the women’s -51kg division, while swimmer Kayla Sanchez still has two individual events remaining in her campaign — the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke — with opportunities to add to the country’s medal haul.
But for Tolentino, there is still plenty of time for the Philippines to make good on his ambitious target.
“Walang atrasan ‘to. Sabi ko nga, hindi naman masama ang mangarap eh. Wala namang bayad ‘yan, libre ‘yun,” Tolentino said, stressing that the Games are still in their early stages.
Asked which athletes and teams he expects to lead the Philippines’ gold-medal campaign, Tolentino quickly named a deep group of contenders led by Alex Eala, Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, the national boxing team, Victoria Bosong, the 3×3 basketball squads, Mobile Legends, and jiu-jitsu.
“Lampas sampu pa ‘yun. So hindi pa tayo nawawalan ng pag-asa. Definitely, meron tayong golds,” he said.
Tolentino also pointed to the improved support given to Filipino athletes compared to previous Asian Games cycles.
With increased funding, training allowances, and the hiring of foreign coaches, he believes Team Pilipinas is better equipped to compete against nations that have invested heavily in their sports programs and naturalized athletes.
The POC chief is also aiming for the Philippines to surpass its previous four-gold medal haul, with several medal events still to come in the Games. For Tolentino, the message to the athletes remains straightforward as they enter the crucial stretch of competition.
“Laban lang. No replay… gamit din ng strategy. ’Pag lamang na, ’wag nang gigil.”
