By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

THE much-anticipated 2023 Asian Games have kicked off in Hangzhou, China, and it’s the talk of the town for sports enthusiasts across our nation. The event encompasses a wide array of sports sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), including boxing, basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, weightlifting, table tennis, lawn tennis, judo, karate, fencing, skateboard, and more, with the top three podium finishers reminiscent of the Olympic Games.

Comparing it to the previous Asian Games held four years ago in Palembang, Indonesia, where the Philippines sent 271 athletes and returned with four gold, two silver, and 15 bronze medals, this time, we’ve sent a formidable contingent of 395 national athletes. Among them are 2021 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting, Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in boxing, World Championship bronze medalist EJ Obiena in pole vault, and 2018 Asian Games skateboard gold winner Magielyn Didal.

However, our world gymnast champion, Carlos Yulo, prefers to skip the Asian Games this year. Instead, he prefer to defend his world title in Antwerp, Belgium, later this month, a decision many understand as the world tilt holds greater prestige than the Asian Games.

Among the hot topics in our nation’s sports circles is the performance of our basketball contingent, “Gilas Pilipinas.” Despite facing lineup challenges before their departure to China, there’s hope that they can secure a podium finish in Hangzhou. The team, now under the guidance of renowned PBA veteran coach Tim Cone, has been grappling with issues related to the exclusion of key players like Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, Mo Tautuaa, Terrence Romeo, and RR Pogoy  replacing World Cup mainstays Jordan Clarkson, Rhenz Abando, AJ Edu, and Keifer Ravena, who had prior commitments to their overseas clubs. Pogoy had to withdraw from the team due to a medical issue. As of September 21, the Hangzhou organizers’ decision regarding the five Filipino players is still pending due to technicalities. Gilas 5’s handlers have designated reserves in case the appeal fails, including Chris Ross, Arvin Tolentino, Kevin Alas, Bautista, and Pangasinan’s own CJ Perez. A recent TV report suggests that Marcio Lassiter will replace Pogoy. These five players will join the original lineup of June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Justin Brownlee, Ange Kouame, and Chris Newsome.

Gilas 5 is set to showcase their skills in the Group C opener against Bahrain, ranked 44th in the world, on September 26; then Thailand, ranked 94th, on September 28 before taking on Jordan, ranked 32nd. If they succeed in Group C stage, Gilas 5 may have to face Japan, the sole 2024 Paris Olympics qualifier from Asia, and South Korea, who did not participate in the 2023 World Cup. If they manage to overcome these two Asian giants, a highly anticipated showdown against the host nation, China, awaits. Interestingly, the Gilas 5 surprisingly defeated China by 21 points, 96-75, during the 2023 FIBA World Cup held in Manila. However, despite finishing higher than China in the last FIBA World Cup ranking, it won’t be a smooth journey for the Tim Cone-coached team, especially against China, who will enjoy home court advantage.

Predictions from pundits and critics suggest that Gilas 5 may not make it to the podium this time, primarily due to the exclusion of five key players and the unfamiliarity of the new recruits with the team’s dynamics. Lets’ wait and see.

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Quote of the week: “And if the prophet is induced to speak anything, I the Lord have induced that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand against him and destroy him from among My people Israel.” – EZEKIEL 14: 9

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