Even with only one ticket left for the coming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the Philippine women’s softball team under long-time softball patron Jean Henri Lhuillier knows they have a chance to make it to the world’s biggest sporting event.
And the Blu Girls, headed by multi-titled coach Ana Santiago, are surely excited about the possibility of making it all the way to Japan.
“Why not? We can dream, can’t we?,” said Santiago during the Blu Girls’ first appearance in the 39th “Usapang Sports” presented by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday.
“The Blu Girls have a very good chance of making it to the Olympics based on the team’s stellar performances in the past several years,” said Santiago during the weekly public service program sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, National Press Club, PAGCOR, Community Basketball Association and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drinks.
“We have already beaten most of the teams competing in the coming WBSC Asia-Oceania qualifying tournament on Sept. 24 to 29 in Shanghai, China, so there’s a big chance for us,” she added.
The Shanghai tournament offers the sixth and last ticket to Tokyo, and the Philippines will be facing World No. 6 Chinese Taipei, No. 7 Australia, No. 8 China, No. 11 New Zealand, No 23 Korea, No. 37 Indonesia and No. 2 Hong Kong.
The Philippines is ranked No. 13 in the world.
The champion of the eight-team qualifying tournament will join five other countries which have already claimed their spots in the softball competition in the Olympics.
Only six countries are eligible to compete in softball, which is making a historic return to the Olympics.
Already in the Tokyo Olympics are Japan, which claimed the first spot as host country; United States, the reigning WBSC champion; Italy, which topped the Europe/Africa Olympic qualifier; and Mexico and Canada, champion and runner-up in the America Olympic qualifier.
“If we beat them (in Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifier), we’re going to Tokyo,” explained Santiago, who was accompanied in the session shown live on Facebook via Glitter Livestream by Fil-Am recruit Chelsea Suitos, Kaitlyn Arianne Vallestero and Gel Ursabia.
If they make it to Tokyo, the Blu Girls will also make history as the first Filipino team to compete in the Olympics.
“Sana makapasok tayo sa Tokyo Olympics. It’s a big honor not only for the team but for the whole country as well,” said Santiago, who said eight homegrown players and seven Fil-Ams comprise the national team.