Go rallies behind Nagoya-bound team

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his full support for Team Philippines ahead of the Nagoya Asian Games from 19 September to 4 October and the Asian Para Games from 18 to 24 October in Japan.

During his speech at the send-off ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum last Thursday, Go challenged the athletes to surpass their previous records and improve the Philippines’ standing.

He also assured them of the government’s continued backing throughout their campaign.

“During the last Asian Games, we showed that Filipinos can go toe-to-toe with the best athletes in Asia,” Go said, highlighting the country’s four-medal haul at the previous Asian Games.

“Can we add to it? Can we? You should double it, okay?” he added.

Team Philippines finished the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou with four gold, two silver, and 12 bronze medals, placing 17th overall, while the country’s men’s basketball team also ended a 62-year Asian Games gold-medal drought.

Go also shared his appreciation as he recalled witnessing the Philippines’ triumph in Hangzhou three years ago.

“You know, it’s heartwarming — after 62 years, we won the gold in basketball. So if we can do it in basketball, we can also do it in other sports,” he said.

In a separate interview, the senator echoed his sentiment about motivating other sports to improve and surpass past achievements.

“Pusong Pinoy, lumalaban,” he said.

Go underscored that athletes should focus purely on the competition while receiving full support from the government, sports organizations, and the private sector.

“Our athletes shouldn’t have to worry about anything else. They should just compete, they should just focus. Preparation regarding food, equipment, and moral support must come from all of us here,” Go said.

He encouraged the private and public sectors to collaborate to help achieve their goals.

Emphasizing the importance of long-term preparation, the senator also recognized the Philippine Sports Commission led by Chair Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the Philippine Olympic Committee led by president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the Philippine Paralympic Committee, National Sports Associations, coaches, and other stakeholders supporting Team Philippines.

He stated that national teams should have a deep pool of players training together well before major competitions, and that long-term preparation is essential.

“Not forming a team close to the competition. It takes long training so our players can build teamwork,” he said.

Favoring the early identification and recognition of Filipino-American and foreign-born Filipino athletes, Go also said that eligibility processes should be handled while they are still young.

Aside from the upcoming competitions, Go highlighted his advocacy: building a sustained athlete-development pipeline from the grassroots to the elite level.