By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines takes its final step toward the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games today, Thursday, as the country’s delegation receives its official send-off at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With the opening ceremony just days away, the Philippines is setting its sights on a bigger medal haul in the continental showcase, led by a powerful cast of Olympic medalists, international champions and rising stars.
Pole vault ace EJ Obiena and skateboarding Olympian Margielyn Didal will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony on September 19, adding another distinction to their respective international careers.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is holding the send-off to rally the athletes before they leave for Japan for the September 19 to October 4 Games.
PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino are expected to lead the ceremony.
The Philippines won four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals in Hangzhou, China, in 2022, finishing 17th overall. The delegation is now aiming to improve on that performance in Aichi-Nagoya.
Leading the medal charge are 2024 Paris Olympics double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo, tennis star Alex Eala, Obiena and weightlifting standout Elreen Ando.
The Philippine boxing team is likewise expected to figure prominently in the medal race.
With its strongest names ready to take center stage, Team Philippines heads to Aichi-Nagoya hoping to turn its medal ambitions into another memorable chapter in Philippine sports.
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