PSC Commissioner and Team Philippines chef de mission Ramon Fernandez (left) and Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) head Monico Puentevella flank Hidilyn Diaz who won the gold medal in the 55kg women’s weightlifting event in the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam. | Photo from PSC
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Team Philippines’ chef de mission Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez believes that the remaining Filipino athletes vying in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) are capable of bringing back the country to third overall in the medal tally.
Fernandez stressed that finishing third overall is still possible if they will all work hard together with three days to go in the biennial Games.
“If we all work hard as one, we will win as one. This is not the time for us to be discouraged since reclaiming No. 3 is still very much possible. Our athletes can do it with God’s help,” Fernandez said, highlighting Team Philippines’ slogan in the 2019 SEAG.
After clinging to the third spot of the medal tally for almost a week, the Philippines slipped to fifth overall last Wednesday with 40 gold, 57 silver, and 78 bronze medals.
The Filipinos, however, were still within striking distance of third-running Indonesia (42-61-57) and just one gold less than fourth placer Singapore (41-41-43).
Host Vietnam had a vise-like grip on the top spot (151-91-83) followed by Thailand (62-67-95).
“These last three days will be critical. But having seen our athletes perform for the past few days, I am very sure our remaining national athletes will give their all-out effort since they will not want their flag and country down,” added Fernandez.
Fernandez stated that there are more sports events Filipinos can win medals such as boxing, esports, weightlifting, shooting, judo, vovinam, and basketball.
Earlier, Hidilyn Diaz won the gold medal in the women’s 55-kilogram division while Blacklist International SIBOL topped the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports event by beating Indonesia, 3-1, in the gold medal round.
Teen tennis sensation Alex Eala bagged a bronze medal in the women’s singles event. /rcg
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Fernandez says PH goal of 3rd place finish in 31st SEAG achievable