‘Good luck, play fair at Asian Games’

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday wished the Philippine delegates to the 18th Asian Games good luck and urged them to do their best while playing “fair and square.”

Duterte said only a few Filipinos have been gifted with the ability and given the opportunity to be part of something big, such as representing the country in an athletic competition.

“All you got here is proof of your commitment and dedication to your respective sports and the sacrifices you went through just to become part of this national team. Your presence here is a testament to the indomitable Filipino spirit,” the President said during the send-off ceremony in honor of the Philippines’ Asian Games contingent at Malacañang.

“As I send off these men and women into the Asian Games, remember that you do not only compete for yourselves, but also carry with you the pride of your families, your community and the entire Filipino nation. I join the Filipino people in wishing you all the best as you hold the values of integrity, resilience and also sportsmanship in your pursuit of the gold,” he added.

Duterte said the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and its partners have done their part in ensuring the success of the Philippine contingent.

“All I ask from you is that you do your best and that you do it fair and square,” he said.

“In return, trust that we in government will continue to support the development of our athletes and intensify our commitment toward sports excellence, global competitiveness and the greater glory of your country, the Philippines.”

Duterte reminded the athletes that every victory they bring back home is shared by the entire nation.

“We pray for your wellbeing and hope for your successful trip and also a safe return to the country. I wish you the best of luck at mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino (long live the Filipino athletes),” the President said.

272 athletes competing

A total of 272 Filipino athletes will be competing in 35 categories during this year’s Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia starting Saturday.

Chef-de-mission Richard Gomez presented Duterte a black Philippine team jacket, which he wore.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, POC president Ricky Vargas and Philippine Sports Commission chief Charles Maxey beamed, and the athletes applauded as the President put the jacket on.

In front of the delegation, the President raised his right fist, which connotes the fighting spirit.

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who ended the country’s 20-year medal drought in the Olympics by winning the silver medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, listened as the President tried to inspire the athletes.

Vargas, who will witness his first Asian Games as POC chief, had earlier tried to boost the morale of the athletes and officials by announcing a bigger incentive package.

On top of the cash incentives from the government, which awards P2 million for every gold, P1 million for silver and P400,000 for bronze, the POC will hand out an additional P2 million for each gold medal.

A silver medal in either an individual or team event will net an additional P500,000 and bronze P300,000 from the POC.

The sendoff at Malacañang was scheduled at 4 p.m. but because of his very busy schedule, coming out of a previous event at the Palace, the President entered the Heroes Hall to meet the Asian Games delegates at 5:30 p.m.

“Thank you for your courtesy. I was a bit late,” said the President.

Absent during the affair were members of the men’s basketball team and women’s volleyball team, who are expected to draw the limelight in Indonesia as far as Philippine participation is concerned.

The Philippine cagers left for Jakarta last Sunday to have more time to prepare for their inaugural match against Kazakhstan on Aug. 16 and then mighty China on Aug. 21.

The volleyball players are in Japan for the final phase of their preparations and should be in Jakarta in time for the formal opening ceremony on Aug. 18. The Games will end on Sept. 2.

Vargas is sticking to hopes that the country can improve on its 2014 finish of one gold, three silver and 11 bronze medals – which was good for 22nd place.

He’s looking at a better finish of landing inside the top 15, regardless of how many medals are needed to achieve that.

“I’m not really looking at the medals but on improving our overall ranking,” said Vargas. “It can be done.”