China raises bar in Asian Games competition

GUANGZHOU, China — After a dominating performance in the 16th Asian Games, China bids goodbye to some 10,000 athletes from 44 nations, including the Philippines, that are now convinced that competition in the regional meet has risen to another level. The city of Guangzhou put out the symbolic flame Saturday night, but is now looking ready to bid and host a Summer Olympic Games, and effectively set a benchmark that will make the continent a major force to reckon with in the 2012 London Olympics. With a total of 198 gold, 119 silver and 98 bronze medals, China illustrated the value of training athletes from a young age and turning them into sports icons via consistent programs and a heavy dose of discipline. Philippine sports officials are now planning to copy China’s blueprint for success. “The lessons are clear and we have to make the necessary and urgent adjustments when we return to our country if we are to remain as a country of note in sports. I believe that any country with an efficient sports program is a stable nation," said Chef de Mission Joey Romasanta. The Philippines’ 3-4-9 gold-silver-bronze medal haul (19th overall), is a little short compared to the 4-6-9 collection in the Doha Asiad four years ago in Qatar. “That was our goal. We wanted to see improvements with the system adopted for this campaign, and I believe we have achieved that considering that we had certain difficulties in the recent past," said Romasanta. Marathoner Eduardo Buenavista finished 12th overall with a time of two hours, 45 minutes and 0.7 seconds or 33.56 minutes behind winner Ji Youngjun of Korea as the Filipino track and field team failed to win a single medal after seven events. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose Cojuangco said he expects a post-Asiad report from the national sports associations (NSAs) involved in this Asian Games. “These reports will be used as reference when we discuss the state of Philippines sports during a summit scheduled on December 4," said Cojuangco. A new breed of athletes, however, is expected to carry the fight for the country in future competitions. Among them is 14-year-old Pauline Louise Lopez of taekwondo and 16-year-old Miguel Luis Tabuena, who took the silver in the individual event of golf. – KY/JVP, GMANews.TV