POC sees strong finish

NAGOYA, Japan — The Philippines has what it takes to surpass its previous haul of four gold medals in Hangzhou as the 20th Asian Games enters the homestretch.

“I guess we are going to surpass the four (golds we won in 2023),” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Thursday with three competition days left before the curtains fall.

So far, the Philippines has won three, two from Paris Olympics double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and one from Greece-based pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

“That’s how it is,” said Tolentino, referring to the Philippines’ slow start.

Still in play are combat sports, beach volleyball, padel, golf and some other team sports, sports the POC believes are all capable of pulling off surprises.

He also expressed confidence in the golf contingent, led by Bianca Pagdanganan and Rianne Malixi.

With time running out before the games officially wrap up on Sunday, the POC chief called on the nation to rally behind the remaining Filipino athletes competing for podium finishes.

“Let us rally behind our athletes,” he added.