RP athletes leave for Laos for SEAG campaign

Bringing with them the hope and prayer of a nation, the 317-strong Team Philippines departs for Laos early Sunday morning, all-geared up for battle in the 25th Southeast Asian Games. Two chartered planes had been commissioned to bring the Filipino athletes and officials to the former French colony, playing as SEA Games host for the very first time.

A slew of world-class competitors led by billiards great Efren “Bata" Reyes, boxing champion Annie Albania, Asian long jump queen Marestella Torres and multi-titled swimmer Miguel Molina head the Filipino athletes out to redeem themselves from their sixth-place finish during the last SEAG in Bangkok two years ago. But expected to be missed is Olympian weightlifter Heidilyn Diaz, who was diagnosed with chicken pox on the eve of the team’s departure. Weightlifting association secretary-general Roger Dullano announced the sad development Saturday as the 15-year-old weightlifter was delisted from the athletes’ roster. “It’s very unfortunate because she is the top favorite in the 50-kg event," said Dullano, whose team is now down to just four entries. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping" Cojuangco, Jr. leads sports executives and officials bound for Laos, while Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping and his four commissioners opted to stay behind. Both however, expressed optimism the Filipino athletes will give their best. “We may not win the overall title, but I’ll be happy if we win what we have been dreaming of," said Angping. For his part, Cojuangco said: “Our athletes always do their best and this 25th SEA Games is another challenge for them. Add to that the prayers of our countrymen, and we can expect a decent performance from Team Philippines." Already in Laos as early as Thursday were RP Team Chef De Mission Mario Tanchangco and the men’s water polo team, which was the bearer of good tidings Saturday following its 6-4 triumph over Thailand. Competitions in water polo and football already got underway Saturday, four days before the opening ceremony formally kicks off the Games. Next up for the RP water polo team is perennial champion Singapore in what many consider as a preview of the championship game. “We have been runner-up to Singapore seven times in 14 SEA Games. We have always been a bridesmaid, maybe this is our year," said swimming association president Mark Joseph. The Games in 25 disciplines will officially unfold on December 8 with a grand total of 1,268 medals, 510 of them gold. The Philippines is entered in only 22 sports and its chances of raising its medal output was greatly reduced with the exclusion of some sports and events where Filipinos excel, one of them basketball. - GMANews.TV