PHL team performance in Asiad 2018 exceeds expectations

The Philippine team competing in the Jakarata-Palembang 2018 Asian Games is in 19th place overall with a total of 15 medals so far.

Karen Tanchanco-Caballero, Philippine Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary General, told GMA News Online that the country only made it to 22nd place in the 2014 Asiad.

The Philippine delegation has 3 gold medals won by three women, Hidilyn Diaz,  Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan and Kaye Go.

In the weightlifting competition, Diaz won the gold medal in the 53-kg category, while Saso won an individual gold medal in women's golf. Saso, teaming up with Pagdanganan and Go, won the team gold also for golf.

"The Philippines did well in the Asian Games compared to last 2014 Incheon Asian Games campaign, with only one gold from cycling," said Tanchanco-Caballero, who pointed out that the feat was achieved "despite the limited preparation time."

"Sa amin we aim to improve our medal standing sa region. And we are learning a lot sa campaign na ito on things we can pick up for SEA [Southeast Asian] Games 2019 hosting," she added.

On Wednesday, Margie Didal is up for a chance to grab a gold medal for the country in the skateboarding finals. —KG, GMA News