Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino remains optimistic that Team Philippines can surpass its four-gold mark as the 20th Asian Games heads into its final three days.
Speaking with reporters as the continental showpiece approached its homestretch, Tolentino expressed firm belief that the Filipino delegation still has several strong medal opportunities left across various disciplines.
“May tatlong simba up to Sunday morning. Last three days, still hoping for more golds,” Tolentino said.
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“Siguro naman sure na malalampasan ‘yung apat,” said the POC chief, referring to the four golds that the country won in Hangzhou three years ago, courtesy of pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, jiu-jitsu warriors Meggie and Annie Ramirez and Gilas Pilipinas.
The Philippines' gold medal count in Nagoya stands at three, two from double-Olympic champion Carlos Yulo (men's floor exercise and vault) and pole vault star EJ Obiena.
Tolentino acknowledged that while the delegation suffered unexpected early heartbreaks, most notably the early exit of the Sibol Mobile Legends squad and MMA artist Jean Claude Saclag, other sports remain well in contention to step up.
“Ganu’n talaga. May napipitas, may pumapalit. God willing, mayroon pa pagkukunan,” Tolentino said.
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Outlining the sports where Team Philippines could potentially make a late surge, Tolentino pointed to key events in tennis, boxing, martial arts, beach volleyball, padel, golf, and team sports.
“Of course, Alex [Eala]. Boxing, Carlo Paalam. Judo. Malakas nga lang ‘yung first event ngayon. What else? Jiu-jitsu. Hopefully dalawa, so apat na ‘yun. Hindi ko alam dynamics ng softball. Pumasok pa ang padel, so lima. Meron pa ‘yan,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the golf contingent, led by Bianca Pagdanganan and Rianne Malixi.
With time running out before the games officially wrap up on Sunday, the POC chief called on the nation to rally behind the remaining Filipino athletes competing for podium finishes.
“God willing. Lahat tayo mga kababayan, let's pray for our athletes at Team Philippines. Lahat na mga nagka-qualify pa. Kaya sure na malalampasan natin ‘yung 4, hopefully,” said Tolentino.