NAGOYA, Japan – The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) refused to change its stand on its medal projection despite the slow start of Filipino athletes in the 20th Asian Games here.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said he still has high hopes for the national squad and remains absolutely firmly planted in his prediction that Team Philippines will bring home at least eight gold medals despite early setbacks.

"Walang atrasan 'to. Sabi ko nga, hindi naman masama ang mangarap eh. Wala namang bayad 'yan, libre 'yun," Tolentino stated, emphasizing that the tournament is just getting started.

When asked who he expects to deliver the gold, he quickly rattled off a powerhouse list of remaining contenders: mixed martial arts, Alex Eala of lawn tennis, Carlos Yulo of gymnastics, EJ Obiena and Victoria Bossong of athletics, the boxers, the 3x3 basketball squad, Mobile Legends bets, and jiu-jitsu fighters. 

“That's still more than ten. So we haven't lost hope yet. Definitely, we will have golds," the POC chief added.

Tolentino highlighted that surpassing the previous four-gold medal haul is highly achievable, noting that today's athletes are much better supported with funding, training allowances, and crucial foreign coaches to match up against heavily funded naturalized athletes from other nations.

His ultimate advice to the team? 

“Just keep fighting. No replays... use strategy too. Once you have the lead, don't rush or get overly eager.”