PSC hosts send-off rites for Asiad, Para Games

MANILA, Philippines — Almost 500 athletes for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 and the 4th Asian Para Games from Oct. 22 to 28, gather for the send-off ceremony today at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Reception Hall in Pasay City.

The 11 a.m. event, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) led by Chairman Richard Bachmann, invited Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to deliver inspirational message for the national squad hoping to be at their best in the upcoming quadrennial meet.

“Our athletes are the heart and soul of the country’s campaign in Hangzhou, both in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games,” said Bachmann.

“With the all-out support from our national government through the PSC, I’m positive that our athletes will deliver,” said Bachmann, who is set to be joined by PSC Commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston, Edward Hayco and Walter Torres in the event.

Sports officials from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), the different national sports associations and Team Philippines chef de mission Richard Gomez are also expected to attend the sendoff rites.

A total of 481 events in 61 disciplines will be disputed in the Asian Games with the opening rites set at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Expo Center.

Team Philippines previously sent 271 athletes to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2018 and brought home four golds, two silvers and 15 bronzes as the Nationals finished at 19th place.

The country’s golden performances then were courtesy of golfer Yuka Saso (women’s individual and team events), weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz (53kg) and skateboarder Margielyn Didal.