The business sector is willing to support Filipino athletes competing in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
George Barcelon, chairman of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said this following talks with Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino during the Pandesal Forum at the Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Friday.
“Ang sabi ko sa kanya, mag-focus tayo sa mga individual sports. Para more directed ang support,” said Barcelon.
Barcelon cited what happened to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who trained for many years before she got the gold in the Tokyo Olympics.
Another example is pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, who is now ranked world no. 2 after training in Formia, Italy for a long time as well.
“It depends on the program and how it’s laid out,” added Barcelon.
Tolentino said a total of 396 athletes will be sent to the Asiad.
The POC chief said this will be the last time that they will send a big number to the games.
That’s because the next Asiad will serve as a qualifier for the Olympics.
“This is the last competition that is not a qualifier for the Olympics. Mabigat na ang susunod,” said Tolentino.
Tolentino is confident that Team Philippines can build on its “strong performance” in the recent Southeast Asian Games and do a good job of surpassing the four-gold benchmark in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.