NSAs given deadline for SEAG rosters

The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday gave the various national sports associations (NSAs) until Sept. 15 to finalize their respective rosters as the country gears up for the overall championship in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games slated Nov. 27-Dec. 5 here.

"We’ve set a deadline for the submission of the final and complete list of athletes on Sept. 15," said POC and equestrian president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr. during yesterday’s General Assembly in Makati City. "That should also include a few alternates in case there are injuries."

Based on early estimates, Cojuangco said the country is looking at an 892-athletic delegation in the biennial meet set to be held in key areas in Metro Manila and Luzon, Bacolod and Cebu City..

"I’m more confident right now than I was before because I can see that NSAs are also excited about their chances," said Cojuangco, adding that the Philippines has great chances in surpassing RP’s fourth place finish in the 2003 Hanoi Games, or even win the overall championship.

Among the 5,336 athletes from 11 nations, 780 will come from Thailand, 779 from Indonesia, 658 from Singapore and 652 from Vietnam. Malaysia is fielding in 613 athletes while Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos will send 452, 271, 108, and 102 athletes, respectively. Newest member East Timor will send 29 athletes. — Joey Villar