237 RP athletes Asiad-bound

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee is looking at a maximum number of 237 athletes to represent the country in the 16th Asian Games in November.

And counting the number of officials, based on a ratio of one official for every two athletes, the Philippines may end up sending a 350-strong delegation.

The POC’s self-imposed deadline on the formation of the Guangzhou-bound team ends today, according chef-de-mission Jose Romasanta yesterday.

“Compared to our team to the 2006 Doha Asian Games, this one is very manageable,” said Romasanta of the RP delegation, composed of 233 athletes, to the last Asian Games.

The Philippines won four gold, six silver and nine bronze medals in Doha, and officials are hopeful that this year’s delegation will improve on that medal haul.

He admitted that the POC allowed the inclusion of a handful athletes even if they did not meet the criteria set by the local Olympic body because too many NSAs (national sports associations) keep on knocking on their doors.

Jose Cojuangco Jr., the POC president, gave the green light to the latest inclusions, four each from swimming and athletics, and two from judo, but warned the NSA heads that they will be accountable for the performances of their athletes.

Romasanta said the performance of the Filipino athletes in Guangzhou can and will be used against them when the POC makes a reevaluation of their status, and the overall composition of the national pool.

Of the total number of athletes going to Doha, only 160 have passed the criteria with flying colors while the rest are on the borderline.

Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping had batted for a delegation no bigger than 80 athletes because he said he can count with his fingers those who have real chances of winning the gold medal.

But the new administration, under new PSC chairman Richie Garcia, the POC opened the doors to more athletes, saying the Asian Games could serve as a springboard to the 2011 SEA Games and the 2012 Olympics.

“But generally, the composition of this delegation was still based on a competitive level,” said Romasanta.

Meanwhile, two-time Olympian Toni Rivero was officially dropped from the Asian Games lineup after the 20-year-old taekwondo champion suffered a serious injury during the recent Korean Open.

Rivero, a silver medalist in the Doha Asian Games and two-time gold medalist in the SEA Games, suffered an ACL tear in her left knee. She is reportedly set to undergo operation.

Taking Rivero’s place in the finweight division is Michelle Monterey.