Tolentino hopeful of Asiad gold rush

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino is positive Team Philippines will build on its “strong performance” in the recent Southeast Asian Games and do a good job of surpassing the four-gold benchmark in the coming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“Siguradong malalampasan natin iyun (performance in 2018 Asian Games),” Tolentino said during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

The Filipinos accounted for four mints in the Palembang Asiad, led by Fil-Japanese golfer Yuka Saso, who snared the individual title and led Bianca Pagdanganan and Lois Go to the team plum.

Weighlifting superstar Hidilyn Diaz and skateboarder Margie Didal joined the golf aces in the honor roll there.

Tolentino is counting again on Tokyo golden girl Diaz, Didal and Pagdanganan, the torchbearer of the golf team with Saso now representing Japan, together with world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo and world No. 3 pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the fancied boxers including Eumir Marcial in possible medal rush in the China Asiad.

“Dalawang tao lang ang katapat – sila EJ at Yulo (to surpass the four golds). May nakatago ka pang weightlifting, boxing, at mag-iiba na yung timpla sa wrestling, judo and others,” he said.

Two-time Olympic medalist Kayla Sanchez is also expected to make a big splash in her debut for the Philippines.

Tolentino said about 410 athletes are in the initial list, mostly composed of SEAG champions and runners-up whose sports are part of the Asiad and world and Asian-rated bets vying for slots to the Paris Olympics.

Those outside the criteria may be allowed to go but will have to finance themselves, the POC top exec said.