With the games set to officially start in a few days’ time.
On Thursday, September 10, a grand send-off ceremony was held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila for the athletes participating in the upcoming 20th Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A total of 464 athletes will represent the country in both regional meets, who were all sent off by officials led by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino and Secretary General Atty. Warton Chan.
“No pressure for athletes, ilabas nyo na ang lahat ng galing nyo, itodo nyo na,” Tolentino told athletes as he reminded them that the Asiad will not happen until 2031, when it will take place in Qatar.
“Mangangarap na rin lang tayo, gawin na nating walo,” he challenged athletes to surpass the four golds clinched by the country in Jakarta-Palembang 2018 and the four golds secured in Hangzhou in 2023.
“Hindi namin kayo pinepressure, ibigay nyo na. Itodo n’yo na. Now is the time,” he added.
Meanwhile, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio announced an additional PHP6,000 allowance to the Asiad and Para Asiad’s current allowance. This is a boost of morale as Team Philippines aims to surpass the previous edition’s medal hauls.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) also conducted a seminar on Wednesday, September 9 for the anti-doping rules for the upcoming regional games.
During his message of support, POC President Tolentino also named weightlifting standout Albert lan Delos Santos and Olympic boxing medalist Aira Villegas as Team Philippines’ official flag bearers for the opening ceremony on September 19.
The 20th Asian Games will officially begin on September 19, with the Gilas Pilipinas set to kick off the campaign on Friday, September 11. Meanwhile, the 5th Asian Para Games is set to start on October 18.
Leading the pack is the trio of 2024 Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, women’s tennis world no. 18 Alex Eala, and pole vault world no. 11 EJ Obiena.
Yulo is locking himself in to clinch his first gold in the Asiad, while Eala is looking to secure hers as well after winning bronze in the singles and mixed doubles event in the 2023 edition in China. Obiena, for his part, is seeking to defend his throne in his sport.
Other confirmed athletes are Annie Ramirez (Jiu-jitsu), Daniel Caluag (BMX), Kayla Sanchez (Swimming), Albert delos Santos (Weightlifting), Tacoma Mangin (Taekwondo), and Gilas Pilipinas (Men’s basketball).
In boxing, Olympians Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Aira Villegas will all be part of the contingent.
