SEA Games stint a losing proposition

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is losing the battle even before action in the 27th Southeast Asian Games scheduled in Myanmar in December could begin.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia yesterday said certain events where the Filipinos have strong chances have been scrapped while events favoring the hosts have been included.

Garcia said organizers have decided to scratch bowling, gymnastics and lawn tennis as well as certain events in athletics and aquatics during a recent SEA Games Federation meeting in Naypyidaw.

By their computation, Garcia said the Philippines stands to lose 16 of the 36 gold medals it won during the 2011 SEA Games in Laos, and from sixth place the Filipinos could even end in the lower bottom of the standings.

Garcia said the PSC as well as officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee are now looking at the possibility of sending just a token delegation to Myanmar. By token, the PSC chief meant no more than 50 athletes.

This way, the PSC can also save a lot of money. It has planned to earmark P80 million for a full delegation, but for a token delegation they may have to spend no more than P20 million, and use whatever is saved for other purposes.

“Now, we only have 20 gold medals to defend. The Games have yet to start and we’re already losing the battle. What would be the reaction of our countrymen; shall we continue to fight even if we know that we’re being cheated?” said Garcia.

He said Myanmar is doing its best to move up in the standings, and overtake the Philippines. If it does, then it’s even possible for the hosts to land in the top three of the medal standings.

While scratching events in bowling, gymnastics, lawn tennis, athletics and aquatics, Myanmar has added 58 events from four traditional sports they should dominate. They also added seven events in traditional boat race, an event the Burmese are strong at.

“We’re being singled out. Water polo, badminton and table tennis were included because of Singapore (the host of the 2015 SEAG), and not because of us. We’re being targeted by Myanmar.

“They want to dislodge us in the sixth place of the medal standings. Because by doing that, they can climb all the way to the fourth place – or even third or second. They will be very happy if they beat us,” Garcia said.