Total of gold medals staked in SEA Games now up to 530

Another event with big gold-medal potential for the Philippines has been added to the calendar of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Hermie Macaranas, the country’s top bet in canoeing, is a strong contender for the gold in the 1000-meter canoe men’s single event, which was recently included in the lineup of disciplines to be played during the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 Games.

“I can’t really say what my chances are, but I have been performing well the past few months,” said Macaranas, who is now considered the best in the 1000m in Southeast Asia,  in Filipino.

The event increased to 530 the number of gold medals to be disputed in 57 sports during the 11-nation Games.

Ranked 18th in the world, Macaranas stands to benefit from the latest addition since he would also compete in the 500m singles and will partner with Ojay Fuentes in both the 1000m and 500m canoe men’s double events.

The tandem of Macaranas and Fuentes finished fifth overall in canoe doubles during the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

Aside from canoe events, Macaranas will likewise see action in five dragonboat races—mixed 20-seater 1000m, 500m and 200m, men’s 10-seater 500m and 200m events.

“We have to watch out for Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. They are the powerhouse teams in dragonboat,” said the 23-year-old Macaranas.

There are six golds at stake each in dragonboat and canoe events and one in kayak.