Gregorio hopeful of Team Philippines top 4 show

PATTAYA, Thailand – Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio is hoping that the delegation would crack into the top four in the medal tally in this year’s Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippines was coming off a 33-gold medal haul in the Cambodia SEA Games two years ago, good for fifth place, and Gregorio is optimistic that the team can surpass that ranking here in Thailand.

“Sa akin, siyempre, better than the last SEA Games ang performance natin. Mahirap humanap ng target kasi depende rin sa napanalunan ng iba. Ako, doon tayo sa ranking,” said Gregorio on Monday after he watched the Philippines face Vietnam in the men’s handball competitions at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya.

Gregorio sees a strong Team Philippines, but is also glad that that the 1,600-strong delegation is composed of some of the future stars that would represent the country in major competitions for years to come.

“But as I’ve said, right from the start when we sent a very, very good delegation, alam naman natin na exposure is also very important, aside from the medal haul. Let’s prepare for the SEA Games, as we prepare for the Asian Games and as we prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics. ‘Yan ang pinaka-importante sa akin. Minsan ang sports, it’s the opportunity to compete first,” said Gregorio.