Asian Games: Richard Gomez still hopes PH will join basketball competition | ABS-CBN

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Asian Games: Richard Gomez still hopes PH will join basketball competition

Asian Games: Richard Gomez still hopes PH will join basketball competition

Dennis Gasgonia,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Aug 01, 2018 12:47 AM PHT

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Richard Gomez, the country's fencing federation president and the national delegation head to the Asian Games next month, acknowledged that he was caught by surprise when it was decided that the country would not field a team to the Games. Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBN News

Richard Gomez, head of the national delegation to next month's Asian Games, on Tuesday said the Philippine Olympic Committee hasn't officially taken back the country's commitment to participate in the basketball competition.

“I hope (national basketball officials) will change their minds since we haven’t officially withdrawn yet,” Gomez said in a media conference tackling preparations for the Games.

Gomez, designated chef de mision, confirmed that the Philippines will likely be penalized by the Olympic Council of Asia for backing out.

Gomez, also Ormoc City mayor, acknowledged that the national delegation was caught by surprise when it was decided that the country would not field a team to the Games.

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“Actually, we weren’t consulted before they made the decision,” said Gomez, president of the Philippine Fencing Association.

He added: “I heard they want to prioritize the FIBA World Cup, but this is the Asian Games. I think it’s better to pick the smaller apple first.”

Gomez said he will bring up the issue when he talks with Al Panlilio, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the sport's national governing body.

Gomez, meanwhile, said the country is likely to field about 250 athletes and coaches to the Asian Games, which run from August 18 to September 2.

“I urge the athletes to perform well . . . to fight. Anything more than a gold medal win (from the last Asiad) would be good,” he said, refusing to offer a medal forecast.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)

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