Paeng chosen RP flag-bearer in Doha

Paeng Nepomuceno, the great Filipino bowler, was unanimously chosen by the Philippine Olympic Committee executive committee as official flag-bearer of the RP delegation to the coming 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

The 49-year-old Nepomuceno, the only bowler to win the World Cup four times, was chosen for his exemplary performance in the sport and the respect he commands among his fellow athletes.

Also considered for the prestigious honor were diver Sheila Mae Perez and swimmer Miguel Molina.

It will be the second time that the left-handed bowler will carry the flag in the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, the first being in Hiroshima, Japan in 1994.

Nepomuceno said it’s such an honor being chosen the flag bearer.

"It’s a big honor for me. Being the flag bearer in the Asian Games is a big responsibility. So I hope to give my best in Doha," said Nepomuceno in a brief phone interview.

Nepomuceno won the Asian Games gold medal in men’s doubles in Busan in 2002 along with RJ Bautista, who will not be around when the quadrennial event is held Dec. 5 to 15 in Doha.

The opening ceremony, however, will be staged on Dec. 1 with Nepomuceno leading the RP contingent composed of 267 athletes and close to a hundred officials.

The Philippines won three gold medals in Busan, but the two other winners, equestrianne Mikee Cojuangco and cue artist Django Bustamante, won’t be back like Bautista.