Gregorio lauds NSAs preparedness

MANILA, Philippines —  PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said yesterday every NSA is ready to compete for gold at the SEA Games and with the country’s largest-ever delegation of 1,168 athletes to the biennial 11-nation conclave, predicted a better showing than fifth place in the previous Cambodia edition.

“Despite restrictions in rules, I’d be very happy if we make it to the top four,” said Gregorio. “Football, tennis, weightlifting, athletics, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, golf, MMA, boxing, taekwondo … all our NSAs prepared well.” He singled out tennis star Alex Eala, 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and pole vaulter EJ Obiena as athletes to watch in the chase for gold.

Philippine delegation chef de mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas said he’s hoping “to give our countrymen some Christmas cheer” with a glowing performance. “Bangkok has its challenges with accommodations and transportation,” he said. “Lots of challenges with the organization.” But the athletes are armed to battle, no matter the odds.

What impressed Canlas was the humility of the country’s flag-bearers at the opening parade. “Alex and Bryan (Bagunas) are so humble in spite of their fame and achievements,” he noted. Eala is on the women’s tennis team with Shaira Rivera, Tenny Madis, Stefi Aludo and Alexa Milliam. Bagunas heads the men’s volleyball squad.

The Philippines topped the medal standings only when it hosted the 2005 and 2019 SEA Games. The lowest finish was seventh at the 2013 edition in Myanmar. Before this year’s SEA Games, the record for most Philippine athletes was 1,115 at the 2019 competitions in Manila where the country collected its most gold medals ever, 149.