Vietnamese due to defend wrestling title

Vietnam is coming in full force to defend its title in the IV Southeast Asian Wrestling Championship slated Aug. 7-10 at Badminton Hall, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Malate, Manila.

Spearheaded by the gold medalists in the 2000 SEAWC held in Bangkok, Vietnam is fielding entries in seven of eight freestyle and eight of eight Greco-Roman weight categories in the men’s division.

Seven Vietnamese women also vie for honors in seven freestyle events of the championship organized by Wrestling Association of the Philippines (WAP) with Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as major sponsors and Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, MILO and Philippine Olympic Committee as sponsors.

Tiara Oriental in Malugay Street in Makati is the official hotel.

Marciano Basas, head coach of Team Philippines and gold and silver medalist in the latest edition of the championship, however, is not cowed.

"Our team is far superior than the six-man squad that competed in Bangkok two years ago as they are better trained and well supported by PSC and WAP," Basas said.

"The team has very high morale. Our aim is no less than wrestling from Vietnam the overall championship we fell short of getting because we were undermanned. Now, we have a complete lineup that will compete before a hometown crowd."