The Philippine Olympic Committee celebrated its recent successes at the 2024 Paris Olympics during its General Assembly on Wednesday.
But while basking in the glory of the games, the organization also focused on preparations for the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and the POC elections in November.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed concern over the potential loss of eight gold medals in four sports that Thailand has dropped from its SEA Games program.
However, he remains hopeful that the appeal to reinstate these sports will be successful, with a decision expected at the SEAG Federation meeting in October.
The SEAG Federation will convene on October 15 to discuss preparations for the SEA Games, which will take place from December 9 to 20, 2025, in Bangkok, Chonburi, and Sonkhia. Weightlifting, wushu, jiu-jitsu, and karate, traditional SEAG sports, are among the events the POC and other participating nations are vying to include in the program.
Tolentino, who was recently elected as the Olympic Council of Asia Legal Committee chairman, emphasized the challenges of ensuring Thailand’s dominance in the Games.
Other topics discussed during the assembly included:
Reappointment of karate chef de mission: Richard Lim was reappointed as chef de mission for the Asian Winter Games, scheduled for February 7-14, 2025, in Harbin, China. This follows the cancellation of the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Thailand.
Saudi Arabia to host AIMAG: Saudi Arabia will host the canceled AIMAG in 2025, with specific dates and venues to be determined.
Preparations for the 20th Asian Games: Initial details of the 20th Asian Games, which will take place in Nagoya from September 19 to October 4, 2026, were discussed.
POC elections: The assembly approved the appointment of the Commission on Elections for the POC elections on November 29. Chartered Arbiter and Accredited Mediator Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV will serve as chairman, joined by Fr. Napoleon Encarnacion, OP, and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo.
Tolentino, who is seeking re-election as POC president, noted that the COMELEC will establish the rules for the elections, including deadlines for candidacy and candidate screening.
