Peping confident of RP overall bid; Thais out of race?

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco Jr. is confident the country has a very good chance of winning the overall title of the 23rd Southeast Asian Games after perennial powerhouse Thailand expressed little interest in going after the No. 1 spot.

Speaking before visiting Thai correspondents, including those from Thailand broadcast giant ITV and Channel 11, Cojuangco admitted the ambitious bid is achievable.

"My only concern is for the Philippines to win the overall championship. Winning 150 gold medals will be enough to achieve that goal," said Cojuangco, a statement which got a warm approval from his Thai counterpart Chaiyadak Siriwat.

Siriwat, the highest foreign sports official to visit the country prior to the Nov. 27-Dec. 5 Games, said he is apprehensive with regards to the team’s chances of winning the overall title this year.

"We will be sending our best athletes here, but my concern is our team sports. It’s really hard for our athletes who are training for the SEA Games, and at the same time, looking forward to a decent showing in the Asian Indoor Games," said Siriwat, referring to the indoor meet Thailand is hosting just days after the SEA Games.

The Thai official pointed out that they sent their athletes abroad for training the past six months to prepare them for the country’s campaign in both the Asian Indoor and SEA Games.

Winning the overall crown in the biennial meet is only secondary, though.

"I have to confess that Thailand is out for the overall crown (in the SEAG)," said Siriwat.

He admitted that Thai pro players are not joining the delegation as they opted to play in the Asian Indoor meet, although Siriwat said a bunch of promising athletes are arriving in Manila to help the country bag at least the runner-up honor.

"Vietnam is strong, as well as perennial contender Malaysia. But with the way the Philippines is preparing for the Games, there’s no doubt the overall crown is in the bag," he said.

Siriwat said the Filipinos had the advantage as host country and with the results of the scouting made by the Thais, there’s a strong chance of the Philippines dominating several events.

A total of 1,323 medals from 41 sports are at stake in the eight-day meet. Malaysia won the title at home in 2001, while Vietnam hosted and dominated the 2003 edition.

The Philippines missed the overall title by a single gold during the Manila SEA Games, losing to eventual champion Indonesia.

"This time, God bless us, sana makuha na natin," said Cojuangco.

Cojuangco also assured the Thai mediamen that proper arrangements had been made regarding to the accommodation, security and facilities in the International Press Center.