EDITORIAL - Whipping boys in int’l competitions

Following the latest edition of the Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea, Filipino athletes returned home leaving one of their most horrible performances in the continent's biggest sporting spectacle.

With one gold, three silvers and 11 bronzes, the country plunged to its most embarrassing showing, placing 22nd among the 45 competing nations. It was the worst standing for the Philippines since the 1951 Asian Games.

The Philippines is actually riding on a deteriorating streak as its participation worsened in the last four Asian Games. In 1998, the country finished 21st, it bagged 18th place in 2002 and 2006, while it placed 17th in 2010.

The only time the country managed to flex its muscle as Asian sporting great was when it ranked second in 1954 and 1958. It then slid two notches down, placing fourth in 1962 Asian Games.

Since then, it was a freefall for the performance of our athletes. With many powerhouses emerging across the region competing for glory, the country is now permanently sidelined to the middle of the medal tally.

Even those who used to be perennial losers such as Vietnam, Singapore, Qatar, Bahrain, Taiwan and Myanmar have started to flex their muscles, now outperforming the Philippines in the regional tournaments.

It is really sad that while other countries have greatly progressed in global competitions, the Philippines has deteriorated. Despite serious efforts to develop sports programs from the grassroots, our athletes have instead become whipping boys in the international scene.

The problem is that something is wrong with the system. You see, the Philippine sports had been saddled with serious cracks because our sports officials, now busy fighting for power, lack the common sense to unite.

These warring factions only rendered our promising athletes unable to concentrate as they train for their competitions. Besides, financial support from the government has been limited, forcing our athletes to seek for help from the private sector.

These problems, no wonder, have produced dismal performances of our athletes in international competitions.