By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

THE 19th Asian Games 2023 officially kicked off on September 23 in Hangzhou, China, and sports enthusiasts worldwide have been glued to their screens to witness the spectacular opening ceremony and the parade of athletes from 45 nations. With a total of 40 different sports and 481 events to compete in, the ultimate goal for many athletes is to secure the prestigious gold medal.

As expected, China, the defending champion from the previous edition held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, is currently leading the medal tally. China has already amassed an impressive total of 81 gold medals, 44 silvers, and 21 bronzes as of September 28. Republic of Korea (South Korea) follows in a distant second place with 19 gold medals, 19 silvers, and 35 bronzes, while Japan holds the third position with 15 gold medals, 27 silvers, and 24 bronzes.

However, the Philippines finds itself in the 23rd spot with only five bronze medals, earned by talented athletes such as poomsae artist Patrick King Perez, wushu standouts Jones Inso, Gideon Fred Padua, and Clemente Tabugara Jr., and rising tennis star, Alex Eala. Eala faced tough competition against China’s Qinwen Zheng but showed great promise.

Despite the slow start, there is optimism that the Philippine contingent will bounce back. The nation has high hopes for its boxers, including the three 2021 Tokyo Olympians Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, and Eumir Marcial, who all secured victories in their initial matches.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who clinched the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, is another medal prospect. The nation also looks to athletes like Asian pole vault record holder EJ Obiena, 400 meters hurdles champion Robyn Brown, and wushu standout Arnel Mandal, who is set for a silver medal finish.

The Philippines has performed well in 3×3 basketball, with the Gilas Pilipinas squad securing victories over Jordan and Chinese Taipei. However, the absence of key players like NBA star Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson poses a challenge, making the quest for gold uncertain.

While POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino predicted a five-gold medal haul for the Philippines in this edition of the Asian Games, the outcome remains uncertain. It’s a waiting game, and fans hope for the best as the competition unfolds.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because all sinned.” – Romans 3:12

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