"Diving will just be one of the 12 to 14 focus sports where the country can win gold in Beijing. From 42 national athletes eyeing to qualify for the Olympics, we might have 20 to 24 who will make the cut. Out of this number, we are hoping for a gold or two," Ramirez said.
The Philippine diving team is composed of divers from Davao. Aside from Perez, also in the team are Rexel Ryan Fabriga, Ni¤o Carog, Zardo Domenios and Ceseil Domenios.
Ramirez said the fencing team will also go to China while the swimmers will have training in Japan and in the United States.
The country's boxers, gymnasts and other combat sports athletes will also be sent abroad or will be trained in the country by foreign experts.
"We have higher hopes in combat sports. We stand a very good chance in taekwondo with the likes of Antoinette Rivero," the PSC chief added.
First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, according to him, is helping to raise P250 to P300 million need for RP's stint in the world's premier sports spectacle.
