BANGKOK — Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains confident that Team Philippines will deliver more gold medals in the final three days of competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Tolentino, who personally visited the athletes in action at different playing venues to show his support, expressed optimism as several Filipino athletes are set to compete in events where the country has traditionally excelled.
He said the Filipino athletes are well-positioned for a strong finishing kick.
“Marami pa ‘yan. Itong last three days mabibigat mga ‘yan. Nandiyan ‘yung peak. Ang tingin ko diyan 15 up pa. Kasi nakakatlo na, apat. Mamaya isa, lima, sampu na lang. Basketball, boxing, speedskate lahat ‘yan may pag-asa,” said Tolentino.
“Hindi ko masabi kung ilan pa talaga, kasi nga nandiyan ‘yung host Thailand,” added Tolentino.
He that beyond medal counts, the expected big push of the Filipino athletes reflects the country’s continuing progress in regional sports.
Team Philippines overtook Malaysia in the overall medal standings with 32 golds, 46 silvers 100 bronze for a total of 178 against Malaysia’s 31-35-91 and 157 total.
