FG first choice as chief of mission

Unless the First Gentleman comes in as a late entry, the race for the coveted position as chef-de-mission of the RP delegation for the coming Asian Games is only between two men.

Philippine Taekwondo Association president and POC chairman Robert Aventajado should be the perfect choice despite the challenge coming from sepak takraw chief Mario Tanchangco.

But First Gentleman Mike Arroyo may yet end up occupying the position, according to bowling president and POC secretary-general Steve Hontiveros.

The First Gentleman was also the RP chef-de-mission in last year’s SEA Games. Through the private sector, he raised P160 million for the training of the Filipino athletes who won the overall crown.

Hontiveros said the First Gentleman being named chef-de-mission will surely help sports officials raise the money to be used for the athletes’ training here and abroad.

The Philippine Olympic Committee will announce its choice on March 15, the day it is also scheduled to bare the guidelines for the selection of the RP team members.

Jose Cojuangco, the POC president, has kept his cards close to his chest as far as his personal choice is concerned.

The 15th staging of the Asian Games is set Dec. 1 to 15 in Doha, Qatar. Cojuangco said last week he’s looking at 50 to a hundred athletes to represent the Philippines.

Earlier, athletics and chess president Go Teng Kok was said to be going after the post held by basketball’s Freddie Jalasco during the 2002 Asian Games in Busan.

But Go called up The STAR yesterday saying he’s not after the position as chef-de-mission since he is already busy as head of the RP Asian Games task force.

"I’ve already told Mr. Cojuangco that I’m not after the position of chef-de-mission. I’m already happy being named head of the Asian Games task force," he said.

While he said he doesn’t want to pre-empt the POC decision, Go has batted for Tanchangco as the chef-de-mission. He described the sepak takraw chief as "hard-working."

Go said Aventajado, who is attending to a serious family matter in the US, might not have enough time as chef-de-mission, a job which requires a lot of attention.

An NSA president who requested anonymity said the POC should not force the First Gentleman to sit as chef-de-mission, but could name the latter as the honorary chef-demission.