POC sets wishes for new year

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino yesterday called on the private and public sectors to increase their support in improving the quality and development of athletes and coaches as the country gears to participate in the World Games on Aug. 7-17 in Chengdu, China and SEA Games on Dec. 9-20 in Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla, Thailand. Tolentino said the backbone of the effort is unity among sports stakeholders.

Coming off a banner year where the Philippines registered its best Olympic showing with two gold medals, Tolentino is looking forward to continued success in international competitions. The long-term goal is to produce more podium finishes at the 2028 Olympics but the immediate priority is to excel in various fronts leading to Los Angeles.

Tolentino laid out three wishes for 2025. “First would be a proper home for POC and the Olympians so we can have a place of our own and showcase our valuables,” he said. “Second, the unity of sports stakeholders and increase in support from the private and government sectors to improve the quality and development of athletes and coaches. Third will be the success in the upcoming World Games and SEA Games.”

The World Games include sports and disciplines not in the Olympic calendar. Some 5,000 athletes from 72 countries are expected to vie for honors in 35 sports, including billiards, cheerleading, dancesport, acrobatic and aerobic gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, karate, kickboxing, lacrosse, muay-thai, powerlifting, racquetball, softball, squash and wushu. The Philippines has participated in all 11 World Games so far since 1981, hauling in two golds, five silvers and five bronzes. Bowling contributed five of the total 10 medals but isn’t in the schedule this year. The gold medals were delivered by cue artist Carlo Biado in men’s nine-ball singles in 2017 and karate champion Junna Tsukii in women’s 50kg kumite in 2022.

In the previous SEA Games, the Philippines was represented by 840 athletes in 38 sports and finished fifth overall in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2023. The harvest brought in 58 gold medals and among the top placers were the Gilas men’s basketball team,