The Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) beams optimism over its athletes’ chances in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games that will fire off next week in Bangkok.

PAI secretary general Eric Buhain yesterday stressed that their swimmers, divers, open water and water polo squads are all pumped up and ready to face the best athletes in the most prestigious athletic conclave in the Southeast Asian region.

He said all of the members of the national aquatic squad went through a tough selection process and rigid training, making them the “best of the best” in terms of skills, experience and willingness to give glory to the country.

“No doubt, this team is the best of the best,” said Buhain, a swimming legend who had collected a total of 13 gold medals in the SEA Games.

“They all made the cut through tough national tryouts while the swimmers surpassed the bronze-medal times of the previous SEA Games as our qualifying standard.”

Buhain noted that with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the MVP Sports Foundation, foreign-based athletes continued their training with top institutions in the United States and Canada. Local swimmers, meanwhile, intensified preparations under national coaches led by Ramil Ilustre.

“We sent our divers to train and compete in China, and our women’s water polo team is currently in Chengdu, while the men’s team has just returned from training in Becej, Serbia,” said Buhain, who will bank on two-time Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez.

During their Serbia camp, which was made possible through a partnership initiated by Serbian national coach Filip Stojanovic, the men’s water polo squad was able to test its mettle against top Serbian club teams in exhibition matches.

“It’s a young team and it’s their first SEA Games. I can’t promise a gold medal, but they are capable of springing surprises. Whatever the color of the medal, I am proud of this team,” Stojanovic said.

Buhain also met with the athletes shortly after their return from Serbia to assess their progress.

“No pressure, but we aim for gold for the country,” he said.