Manila: The Philippine petanque team is setting its sights on achieving a stronger performance at the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which will be held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025. The team is eager to improve upon their previous showing, where they secured only a single bronze medal in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia through the efforts of the women's doubles pair, April Alarcon and Maria Corazon Soberre.

According to Philippines News Agency, the team has been bolstered by the addition of a Malaysian coach, Zani Lisa Mohamed, who has been overseeing the training at the Lawn Bowls and Petanque National Training Center in Clark, Pampanga since July 1. Head coach Ambrocio Gontinas Jr. expressed confidence in the team's prospects, stating, "I can say that we have a stronger team this year. I am optimistic that we can win more medals."

Gontinas, who has a background as a former national dragon boat team member and a competitor in the 2005 Manila SEA Games, has highlighted the athletes' determination to succeed. The focus has been on refining techniques and preparing for the 11 gold medals available in petanque at the 2025 SEA Games, which include events in singles, doubles, triples, and shooting categories.

The team, comprising 22 athletes-12 men and 10 women-is gearing up for the challenges ahead. They are scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in September for two invitational tournaments and a training camp, which are part of their preparation strategy.

Petanque, a game that traces its origins to France, involves lawn bowling played with steel balls on rough ground. The Philippine team's enhanced training and strategic preparations aim to elevate their standing in the forthcoming SEA Games.