Task force starts buildup for Incheon

MANILA, Philippines - The quest for gold in Incheon begins this week when members of the Asian Games task force sit down with representatives of the different national sports associations (NSAs).

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, chef-de-mission to the Incheon Asiad set Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, yesterday said consultative meetings with the NSAs will begin on Thursday.

The other members of the task force are Philippine Olympic Committee chairman and triathlon head Tom Carrasco, Dr. Jay Adalem of basketball and Romeo Magat of tennis.

Garcia said they intend to make full use of the time to prepare for the Asian Games. He said eight months is more than enough to put up a delegation capable of surpassing the country’s 2010 haul of three golds, four silvers and nine bronzes.

“We will meet with the NSAs on Jan. 23 to talk about the criteria that we will follow to guide us for the Asian Games delegation,” he said.

The PSC chairman said the athletes are back in training after the holiday break, and they’re supposed to stay in top shape as they seek slots to the Philippine delegation.

The criteria to be used in forming the team is not yet finalized but Jose Romasanta, POC vice president and chef-de-mission to the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, said it’s not that difficult to set the standard.

Romasanta said only those who are close to at least the bronze medal standard in the Asian Games should be allowed to go.

Garcia is on the same page although he and the task force members have yet to announce the criteria.