Team Philippines is optimistic about its chances of matching or surpassing its previous performance at the Asian Youth Para Games as competition kicks off on Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Milette Bonoan, the country’s chef de mission, acknowledged that the competition has become tougher since the previous edition held in Manama, Bahrain, in 2021.

“I hope that our performance will excel in the previous (edition) because the level of competition has increased especially in certain countries. It’s more challenging this time,” she said.

“But our strength is that our athletes are young. Their potential for growth is huge, and that they are very inspired to really win.”

Classification of athletes began last Sunday and will run until Tuesday to finalize the start lists for each of the 11 sports to be contested from Wednesday through Sunday.

A total of 48 Filipino para athletes, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Paralympic Committee, are competing in nine sports — the largest contingent the country has sent so far — with hopes of eclipsing the previous haul of one gold, six silver and two bronze medals.

Competition in para athletics, para archery, para swimming, para badminton, wheelchair basketball 3x3, boccia, para table tennis, goalball, and para powerlifting fire off on Wednesday.

While wheelchair basketball 3x3 is debuting in the Games, the national team is sending almost the same athletes that competed in 5x5 wheelchair basketball in the previous edition composed of Anthony DeMesa, Edgardo Ochaves, Jodriel Piol and Ian Sotelo.

The Filipinos are scheduled to go up against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning, followed by host UAE a few hours after.

National coach Vernon Perea said they are more focused on executing their plays well.

“Execution of plays is important,” said Perea in Filipino. “If we could execute a solid defense, then I hope we can make it to the medal rounds.”

“We’re not thinking much of our opponents; more of ourselves. How we could run our plays the best we can.”