After an impressive performance at the 32nd Southeast Asia Games in Cambodia, gold and silver medalists from Team Pilipinas have emerged as potential contenders for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
Tolentino revealed that in addition to their SEA Games achievements, Asian and world rankings would play a crucial role in determining the national team for the Hangzhou Games. These rankings are especially important as the Asian Games serve as a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the Hangzhou results fall within the Olympic qualifying window, starting on June 1 and lasting for a year.
“In Cambodia, gold and silver medalists will be strongly considered for the national team to Hangzhou,” Tolentino stated.
“They’ll be funded under Group A classification. The rest will be in Group B, but they need to be evaluated.”
To ensure proper funding and support, the POC has established Group A and Group B classifications.
Athletes in Group A will receive financial backing from the Philippine Sports Commission, while those in Group B will have their participation expenses covered by their respective national sports associations.
The Philippines achieved a remarkable feat in the recently concluded SEA Games, securing 58 gold medals, 85 silvers, and 117 bronzes, totaling to an impressive 260 medals overall.
This accomplishment earned the team a commendable fifth-place finish in the overall standings. However, it should be noted that not all gold and silver medalists from the SEA Games will be eligible for the Hangzhou Games, as some of their victories were attained in sports that are not included in the Asian Games program.
China, the host country for the Hangzhou Asian Games, will be organizing the event for the third time, following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010. The games are scheduled to take place from September 3 to October 8.
In the previous edition of the Asian Games held in Jakarta and Palembang in 2018, the Philippines secured four gold, two silver, and 15 bronze medals. Olympic and world weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz, golfers Yuka Saso, and skateboarder Margiely Didal were among the standout performers, contributing to the country’s medal tally.
As the evaluation process begins, the Philippine sporting community eagerly awaits the final selection of athletes who will represent the nation at the prestigious Hangzhou Asian Games.
