PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte leads the send-off ceremonies of the national athletes to the 18th Asian Games. Also in attendance were Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas, Philippine Sports commissioner Charles Maxey, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Asian Games chief of mission Richard Gomez. ROMAN PROSPERO

President Rodrigo Duterte opened the doors of Malacanang to inspire the national athletes, coaches and officials before embarking on a tough journey in the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta next week.

The Chief Executive told the delegates to give their best and win their respective events fair and square to make a statement that the Filipinos have what it takes to emerge victorious even in the sporting arena.

A total of 272 athletes and 63 coaches from 35 sports would see action in the 45-nation conclave, the world’s biggest athletic gathering outside the Olympics.

Hopes are high on these athletes, who are looking to bounce back from a forgettable solitary gold-medal finish in the previous edition in Incheon in 2014.

Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz of gymnastics is coming in as a heavy favorite as well as jiu-jitsu specialist Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, gymnast Carlos Yulo, sailor Gaylord Coveta, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.

Although Bowling World Cup champion Krizziah Tabora withdrew, the squad still has a lot of firepower to emerge victorious in this tourney that kicks off on 18 Aug. at the Bung Karno Gelora Stadium.

“In return, trust that we in the government will continue to support the development of our athletes and intensify our commitment towards sports excellence, global competitiveness and the greater glory of your country, the Philippines.”

It is the third time for the President to meet the national athletes after gracing the send-off of those who saw action in the Rio Olympics in 2016 and Southeast Asian Games in 2017.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez was also in attendance as well as commissioner Charles Maxey, Philippine Olympic Committee Ricky Vargas, chairman Abraham Tolentino and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Asian Games chief of mission Richard Gomez.

The StaffBorn at the turn of this century, the Daily Tribune immediately took hardcore stance on issues, bearing a slogan that speaks of its character.