THE Philippines will be sending 272 athletes to compete in 31 sports in the upcoming 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia from August 18 to September 2.
The list of contingent submitted as of June 29 to the Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee includes four athletes from Negros Occidental. Riflayca Basa of Hinobaan and Kaith Ezra Jalandoni of Talisay City are with the women’s softball and Ian Clark Bautista of Himamaylan City and James Palicte of Bago City in boxing.
Joining the two Negrense softbelles are Francesca Altamonte, Angelie Ursabia, Mary Ann Antolihao, Mia Macapagal, Cristy Joy Roa, Shaira Damasing, Riezel Calumbres, Arianne Vallestero, Garnet Agnes Blando, Hailey Cassandra Decker, Skylynne Kopia Ellazar, Danielle Lindsey Gilmore, Reese Miquelle Guevarra, Sierra Arlyna Lange, and Chelsea Kaitlyn Suitos.
Completing the boxing team are Carlo Paalam, Mario Fernandez, Joel Bacho, Eumir Felix Marcial, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio.
Men’s basketball has Jayson Castro William, Terrence Romeo, Jericho Cruz, Roger Ray Pogoy, Celedonio Trollano, Anthony Semerad, Jeth Troy Rosario, Kelly Williams, Ricci Rivero, Kobe Paras, Abu Tratter, and Andray Blatche. Castro-William, Romeo, Pogoy, del Rosario and Blatche figured out in a “basketbrawl” against Australia in the recent Fiba Qualifiers held in Bulacan.
In case the quintet will be suspended by Fiba, replacement is already in place to take their positions.
Other Philippine contingent are in swimming, archery, athletics, bowling, boxing, bridge, canoe kayak/traditional boat race, cycling, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, judo, jet ski, karate, sailing/windsurfing, sepak takraw, shooting, sports climbing, skateboarding, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, soft tennis, triathlon, women’s volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.
Martial arts will also send athletes in jujitsu, pencak silat, wushu and kurash.
The Philippine Olympic Committee also approved 63 coaches and trainers.
During the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, the Philippines sent 159 athletes in 25 sports and finished No. 22 with a gold medal, three silver medals and 11 bronze. (HGD)