PH in for tough gold hunt in SEA Games; Athletics, boxing bright spots

The Philippines may have to find other sources of gold medals to keep up with the top contenders in the coming 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has finalized the list of Filipino athletes bound for the biennial Games slated Aug. 19 to 30—and sadly, the list is without radiant prospects in gold-loaded aquatics, cycling, pencak silat and gymnastics.

Out of the 497 athletes from 37 sports, only a few are touted to become champions in the SEA Games, which will offer 120 gold medals.

Aquatics offers 60 golds, including 40 in swimming, while cycling, pencak silat and gymnastics will dangle 20 mints each.

But there will be bright spots.

The national track and field team could potentially seize at least five golds courtesy of Filipino-American Eric Cray in the 400m hurdles and 100m dash, Kayla Richardson in the 100m and 200m, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and long-jumper Janry Ubas.

Also projected to deliver are marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, triple jumper Harry Diones and the 4x400m and 4x100m men’s relay teams.

Filipino boxers are likewise expected to go up the podium along with taekwondo, billiards, triathlon, rugby and basketball.