KUALA LUMPUR—Netball Philippines is hoping to put behind its forgettable stint in the Southeast Asian Games two years ago in Singapore.
Among the first teams to arrive here for Team Philippines, the women’s netball squad checked in on Sunday ahead of its first game on Tuesday against Thailand at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara.
“We are still a developmental team,” said Philippine Netball Association president Dr. Charlie Ho. “Philippine netball is just in its infancy so we need to really have this kind of international exposure.”
Ho expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission which allowed them to join the SEA Games contingent citing “developmental” as its sole justification.
“We only learned that we are going just a few weeks ago,” Ho added.
The Philippines lost all five games two years ago during its maiden foray.
The Filipinos lost to Thailand, 22–62; absorbed a 112–11 rout at the hands of Malaysia; and bowed to Myanmar, 62–22, in their first three matches.
“We are moving on, and we are positive we can do better this time because we have been practicing since January,” added Ho.