Prune list of officials, save Pinoy bets berths

Why reduce the number of athletes when you can reduce the number of officials?

This sentiment should be in the minds of Filipino athletes who stand to lose their slots to the 15th Asian Games in December after host country Qatar said it could not accommodate all 13,000 athletes and officials who plan to go to Doha in December.

As a result of the projected shortage in bed space at the Athletes Village, the Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee (Dagoc) has asked all 44 participating countries to reduce the size of their respective delegations by 15 percent.

As far as the Philippines is concerned, it has to reduce its 359-strong contingent because organizers can only provide 316 beds for the Filipinos who will be made to occupy 25 apartments with 13 persons per apartment.

A total of 242 athletes will represent the Philippines in the Dec. 5 to 15 quadrennial event. They will be accompanied by close to 100 officials, including coaches and those from the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, medical staff, and the Secretariat.

At this rate, it’s almost one official for every two athletes.

South Korea is sending the biggest contingent of around 800, including 650 athletes, and was also asked to cut the size by 15 percent.

Doha officials originally expected only 10,000 athletes and officials during the Games. But the number has risen to more than 13,000 with still 57 days before the Games, and more athletes from different countries still knocking on the doors.

Chairman Butch Ramirez of the PSC attributed the bloated number to the fact that Doha officials are offering free board and lodging to all athletes and officials, as  long as they stay there three days before and two days after their respective schedule of competitions.

With only 116 beds available, it means that the Philippines will have to erase 43 names off the list. Unfortunately, officials have focused on the athletes, and not within their ranks.

The RP men’s baseball team composed of 26 athletes and officials was the last to be included in the delegation, and now appears to be the first on the way out, along with the eight token sports, such as badminton, squash and table tennis, that were allowed to send two athletes each.

The RP women’s softball team, also made up of 26 persons, is still hoping for a late inclusion.