Pattaya: Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick Gregorio is hopeful that the delegation will crack into the top four in the medal tally in this year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. The Philippines is coming off a 33-gold medal haul in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games, which secured them fifth place. Gregorio is optimistic that the team can surpass that ranking here.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gregorio stated on Monday while watching the Philippines face Vietnam in the men's handball competitions at the Indoor Athletics Stadium Pattaya, "For me, of course, better than the last SEA Games ang performance natin. Mahirap humanap ng target kasi depende rin sa napanalunan ng iba. Ako, doon tayo sa ranking (It's hard to find a target because it also depends on what others have won. For me, let's base it on the ranking)." He emphasized that the 1,600-strong delegation includes future stars who could represent the country in major competitions in the coming years.
Gregorio added, "But as I've said, right from the start when we sent a very, very good delegation, alam naman natin na (we know that) exposure is also very important, aside from the medal haul." He further stressed the importance of preparing for the SEA Games as a stepping stone for the Asian Games and the Los Angeles Olympics, stating, "That is important to me. Sometimes sports, it's the opportunity to compete first."
Looking forward to the opening ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium, Gregorio mentioned that the Philippine team will be wearing uniforms designed by Avel Bacudio. "We know that many people admire the new design of the Philippine Olympic Committee, so congratulations," he said.
Meanwhile, it was reported by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino that two-time Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the rest of the 61-member athletics team will miss the opening parade. This decision came after the SEA Games Federation Council meeting, where it was discussed that the king, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, will attend the opening ceremonies, prompting extremely tight security measures handled by the Royal Guards. Tolentino explained, "There are lockdowns, including at airports. Our athletes will arrive in the afternoon and be in a kind of lockdown there for a few hours."
Obiena's fellow Olympian and six-time SEA Games 400-meter hurdles gold winner Eric Cray, 2019 200m dash gold medalist Kristina Knott, Lauren Hoffman, and John Tolentino will also miss the opening show.
