PH eyes at least 60 gold medals in 2025 SEA Games

The Philippines is eyeing at least 60 gold medals in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, which run from December 9 to 20.

Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said he hopes the country can surpass its 58-gold haul in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.

“Malampasan natin 'yun, okay na. It’s a big accomplishment. So, kung maabot tayo ng 60, okay na,” Tolentino said.

(If we surpass that, we would be OK. It's a big accomplishment. So, if we get 60, we're OK.)

A record-high 1,600 athletes, including coaches and officials, will participate in the SEA Games.

Philippine Sports Commission Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio earlier said that nearly doubling the number of participants in the biennial showcase gives the country a better shot at glory while gaining exposure on the international stage.

The Philippines finished fifth in the 2023 SEA Games. 

Under Republic Act 10699, or the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, SEA Games medalists will receive P300,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for silver, and P60,000 for bronze.

The SEA Games officially opened in Bangkok on Tuesday. 

Alexandra “Alex” Eala and Bryan Bagunas have been named as the flag bearers of the Philippines for the opening ceremony.—AOL, GMA Integrated News