THE Philippine Olympic Committee advised the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee of possible changes in the national team rosters of certain national associations—including the men’s 5×5 squad—through the pre-delegation registration meeting (DRM) that was conducted online on Wednesday afternoon.
“We are pushing hard for the changes in the rosters of some of our national teams to guarantee that they strong finish in the games,” POC president Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said.
The Philippine delegation is composed of 395 athletes who will see action in 40 sports in Hangzhou. The list was already submitted to the HAGOC ahead of the deadline for the Entry by Names last July 25.
Tolentino said that the final DRM in Hangzhou on September 17 would determine if the changes have been approved.
“The POC has already advised the HAGOC of the possible change in the composition of the Philippine delegation and let’s hope that the changes would be approved,” Tolentino said. “But we are insisting hard.”
The DRM is a crucial meeting between a national Olympic committee and the games organizer—Olympics, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, among others—covering not only the members of the delegation but major concerns including travel, accommodation, local transport and logistical arrangements.