SEA Games chops sports where PH is strong

The Philippines Josie Gabuco (blue) against Leona Hui of SIngapore (red) during the 28th SEA Games Women’s Boxing Light Flyweight semifinal bout held at the Singapore Expo Hall 1. Gabuco beat Hui in a decision and advances to the finals.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

THE SOUTHEAST Asian Games Federation has scrapped seven sports as well as a number of events in several disciplines —including those where the Philippines is considered strong—from the competition schedule for next year’s edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Philippine Olympic Committee officials said they intend to challenge the federation’s decision, which could further dampen the country’s hopes of improving on its sixth-overall finish in the 2015 Singapore Games where the Filipinos won just 29 gold medals.

“We are going to fight for these sports and events, but we will need the help of the national sports associations,” said POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros. “We also need the support of other countries.”

Hontiveros attended the recent federation meeting in Malaysia.

Among the sports and events scrapped were triathlon, women’s boxing, women’s billiards and several track and field events like the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Federation president Tunku Imran said in the Games website recently that five new events like bridge, cricket, ethnic sport tarung derajat and two winter sports have been added to the roster. They removed wrestling, judo, muay thai, canoeing, body building and fencing.

The country posted a 1-2 finish in women’s 9-ball billiards through teenage sensation Chezka Centeno and Rubilen Amit. Filipinos also dominated women’s triathlon where Ma. Claire Adorna bested Marion Kim Mangrobang for the gold.

Light flyweight Josie Gabuco is the defending champion in women’s boxing, while Christopher Ulboc is the reigning titlist in the 3,000m steeplechase.