The Philippine national men’s baseball team will be shifting its focus on the 20th Asian Games in Japan after winning its third gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand last Friday.

In an episode of “Off the Court” on Thursday, national team coach Orlando Binarao said they will start training in January as they brace for tougher competition for the Asian Games, which will be held from 19 September to 4 October.

The Nationals edged the Thais, 5-3, in the gold medal match last 12 December to clinch their third straight baseball title at the Sirikit Main Baseball Stadium in Pathum Thani.

“We had a good result in this year’s SEA Games. By January, we will go back to training for the Asian Games. Since the competition will be starting in September, we need to prepare early,” said Binarao, who visited the DAILY TRIBUNE headquarters with skipper Romeo Jasmin and Mark Beronilla.

“The superpowers in the world of baseball will be there. We need to be ready when we face Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.”

Binarao said the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) has plans for the national team to play in Japan and Chinese Taipei in preparation for the Asiad.

“They will be resting for December. The PABA officials want us to compete in tournaments in Japan and in Taipei for exposure before the Asian Games,” he said.

“Since we won the gold medal in the SEA Games, our rivals expect us to step up. The big three see the Philippines as a threat.”

The Filipinos finished the prestigious biennial meet undefeated on their way to the gold medal.