Lean but mean RP delegation seen in Guangzhou Asiad

The Philippines will send a lean but mean delegation in this year’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China with a target number of athletes reaching more than a hundred but will not exceed 300. Philippine Olympic Committee spokesman Joey Romasanta made this assumption after meeting personally the different national sports association heads at the POC office at the ULTRA in Pasig. “Definitely it will go over 100 athletes because we already have 50 rowers in the dragon boat teams," said Romasanta, also the Chef de Mission of the RP delegation in the quadrennial meet. The number however does not include technical and other sports officials. A total of 28 NSA presidents and representatives attended the meeting which was held to determine the progress of their preparation for the Asian Games. Romansanta stressed that the stand taken by the Chief of Mission is maximum participation although NSAs must be able to justify their athletes inclusion before they will be part of the national delegation. “We want maximum participation, but athletes who are not qualified will not join the team. NSAs must be transparent, must be in order and must be able to defend their athletes. They should justify their athletes’ inclusion," added Romasanta. Maximum number of athletes to the Asian Games based on the technical handbook from the Asian Games organizers will allow Philippines to send a maximum of 300 athletes. But Romasanta said that the NSAs themselves have informed him that they will not take part in all events but only in events where they feel they have good chances of winning. The Asian Games is one of the biggest sports competitions the country will participate after the takeover of the new administration. Former Senator Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino is headed to become the nation’s next President. He will takeover as the new Chief Executive from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo beginning July 1. Romasanta hopes the transition of power will not effect the athletes’ preparation for the Games. Romasanta, then an official of Gintong Alay, which was created during the Marcos Administration, recalled what happened in 1986 when the country won four gold, five silver and nine bronze medals in the Seoul Asiad despite the transition of power that saw then President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, mother of Noynoy, being installed as the new leader of the nation through People Power. “I just hope we can be able to match that performance. We’re a little bit late as far as preparation is concerned, but everybody involved are in high spirits and confident on their chances of winning," added Romasanta. In the previous meet in Doha, Qatar, the RP bets brought home four gold, six silver and nine bronze medals. - RCJ, GMANews.TV