In and out
HANGZHOU – Athletes, coaches and officials from the different countries in this Asian Games come and go. Under the protocols, they are allowed to check in and stay at the Athletes Village three days prior to their competition. All the privileges end the day after their last day of competition – win or lose. For Team Philippines, others have gone and are on their way out, those in men’s volleyball, rowing and judo, among others. And while others go, others are just on their way in, like those from archery, shooting and Esports. In the days ahead, more will come and go. Those who are done competing may opt to stay if they want to – perhaps take a tour of the city, do some shopping, enjoy the great food or catch some of the action. But they’ll be on their own. It’s KKB: kanya-kanyang bayad.
Ready, aim, fire!
HANGZHOU – Members of the Philippine shooting team are on target – or so it seems – in this Asian Games. The country is represented here by shooters who are proud wearing the Philippine flag on their jackets. Led by Olympians Jayson Valdez and Paul Bryan Rosario, the team is out to end a long medal drought in the Asian Games. Also in the team are Amparo Acuna, Elvie Baldivino, Hagen Topacio, Joaquin Ancheta, Franchette Quiroz, Enrique Enriquez, Carlos “Itos” Carag and 2008 Olympian Eric Ang. Philippine National Shooting Association secretary-general Iryne Garcia described Valdez and Rosario as “the creme dela creme” of Philippine shooting. Yes, they’re the best there is – regardless of what others may think.
Pat on the ‘Bach’
HANGZHOU – It didn’t take long for International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach to give organizers of the 19th Asian Games his seal of approval – and a little pat on the back. “We can look forward to the Games which the athletes will enjoy. They are extremely happy with the conditions here,” said the IOC chief, who’s made the rounds of the different venues and facilities here not just for the use of the athletes and delegates but even the thousands of media from across the globe. This Asian Games is trying to leave a blueprint for future events of this magnitude with the host city of Hangzhou, dubbed as the home of artificial intelligence, displaying all the advanced methods, high-tech solutions, systems, applications and programs making the quadrennial event run like a well-oiled machine. Looking at Hangzhou, others feel like they’re light years behind.