Other than Greece-based pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, the Philippine national athletics team will bank on a handful of Olympians in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from 19 September to 4 October.

Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) secretary general Jasper Tanhueco said they are counting on the likes of hurdlers John Cabang and Lauren Hoffman, as well as sprinters Kristina Knott and Zion Corrales-Nelson, to boost the country’s medal haul in the Asiad.

In the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in 2023, Obiena won gold, the track and field’s one and only medal.

“Like I said, early this year, they already know the competition. They already know what they’re preparing for,” Tanhueco said.

Although athletes like Cabang were unable to compete in the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships from 10 to 14 June, Tanhueco said competing overseas is a better alternative as they will be facing tougher opposition.

“John Cabang won’t be here because he has a lineup of competitions in Spain. So, it’s good for him because instead of traveling here, he’ll be competing against stronger opponents,” Tanhueco said.

The last time the Philippines won more than one medal in athletics at the Asian Games was in the 1986 edition in Seoul, where middle-distance runner Isidro del Prado and the late Lydia de Vega bannered the delegation that collected one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal.