The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sees the country faring well in the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from 19 September to 4 October. 

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said Filipino athletes have what it takes to do well in next year’s continental tournament following their 50-gold medal haul in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand two weeks ago. 

Gregorio said with Carlos Yulo expected to join the Asian Games this year, the Philippines can surpass its 4-2-12 gold-silver-bronze medal tally in 2023 in Hangzhou, China.

“For the Asian Games, we need to tweak the selection because the level is higher,” Gregorio said, pinning his hopes on Olympians like Carlos Yulo of gymnastics, EJ Obiena of athletics and Elreen Ando of weightlifting.

Of course, rising stars like John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman of athletics and Kayla Sanchez of swimming are also expected to vie for gold medals in the Asian Games as well.

 “I think it’s possible to win again because Carlos Yulo can win two or three gold medals, EJ Obiena is still there, and Elreen Ando is there.”

Aside from established stars, Gregorio sees a new breed of athletes stepping up after winning the gold medal in the SEA Games.

“We also have young athletes like Mazel Paris Alegado, an 11-year-old skateboarder, and Albert de los Santos, a 19-year-old weightlifter who is a world record holder in juniors,” Gregorio said.

“Naomi Cesar is only 16 years old. When you look at her, it looks like she’s just playing, but when she competes, you ask, ‘Where did that come from?’”

The Philippines has yet to surpass its 14-gold medal haul when it hosted the 1954 Asiad in Manila.