With high hopes that the Philippines will perform better, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Filipino athletes to do their best, fair and square.
Duterte said this is what he expects of around 272 athletes who are set to compete in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia set Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.
“All I ask from you is to do your best. Do it fair and square,” said Duterte in his speech during yesterday’s sendoff ceremonies in Malacañang.
He said that a good showing from the Philippines will mean continuous support from the government in its sports programs, intensifying its commitment towards sports excellence and global competitiveness.
Sports officials are hoping that the Philippines will show improvement this time after winning a total of 15 medals the last time around in 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
And Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas said that Filipino athletes are ready to fight for the country.
“This is your army. These are the athletes who will compete in the Asiad,” said Vargas, who was joined by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch Ramirez.
In 2014, the Philippines earned one gold, three silvers, and 11 bronze for 22nd out of the 37 participating countries.
“All you got here is proof of your commitment and dedication to your respective sports and the sacrifices you went through just to become part of this national team,” added Duterte.
Asian Games Chef de Mission Richard Gomez said the Filipino athletes should go for their best performance.
“Just go for the gold,” said Gomez as he introduced the members of the delegation.
He believes that the Philippines will be strong in the martial arts, like jiu jitsu, boxing, judo.
Among the athletes who showed up were weightlifters Nestor Colonia, Hidilyn Diaz and Kristel Macrohon.
The boxers included Carlo Paalam, Ian Clark Bautista, Mario Fernandez, James Palicte, Joel Bacho, Eumir Felix Marcial, Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
Fencers Nathaniel Perez, Brennan Louie, Michael Nicanor, Noellito Jose, Samantha Catantan, Maxine Esteban, Justine Gail Tinio and Hanniel Abella were also there, with judokas Shugen Nakano, Keisei Nakano, Kohei Kohagura, Kiyomi Watanabe, Mariya Takahashi and Megumi Kurayoshi.