The Philippines has high hopes that the 443-strong delegation will spark a gold rush in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from 19 September to 4 October.

Chief of mission Richard Lim said he and the other deputy CDMs, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy, Jarryd Bello of Curling Pilipinas, Alexander Sulit of the Philippine Judo Federation, and Jop Malonzo of Vovinam, are leaving no stone unturned as they vow to do everything they can to make sure the athletes will be only focused on their matches.

The Filipino athletes are aiming to tie or surpass the four gold medals won in the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou, China in 2023.

“Definitely to make sure that all of the athletes’ needs are there. Everything needs to be complete — our flight details, venues, hotels, everything,” Lim said.

“We’re really working hard on it and making sure that all the athletes’ and coaches’ needs are met.”

With just weeks before the continental showpiece, Lim said preparations have shifted into high gear as the Philippine Olympic Committee works to ensure that all logistical concerns are settled before the country’s athletes begin arriving in Japan.

The karate chief, who won a bronze medal in the men’s individual kata of the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, admitted the task is far from easy with competitions spread across several cities, including Tokyo.

“I understand, but it’s still a bit difficult because there are a lot of venues. In fact, there’s a game in Tokyo,” Lim said.

“But I have four deputy chef de mission. They’re all very capable, so I have ample help.”

Lim isn’t wrong about the country’s chances in the Asian Games.

For one, gymnasts Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo will be looked upon to deliver for the country after finishing first and third, respectively, of the men’s floor exercise at the Asian Championships in Zunyi, China last June.

Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena remains the standard in his field and recently reached a season-best 5.85m in the Meeting Madrid in Spain last 17 July.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala would be the talk of the town in the Asian Games after reaching the Round of 16 of the WImbledon Championships in London last 6 July.

Olympic boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas and Carlo Paalam gunning for the country’s first gold medal since Rey Saludar did the trick in the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

Jiu-jitsu world champion Annie Ramirez will also be eyeing for her second gold medal as she competes in the women’s -52-kilogram division.