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
Published Jul 31, 2018 07:27 PM PHT
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Updated Aug 01, 2018 12:47 AM PHT
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.
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“I hope (national basketball officials) will change their minds since we haven’t officially withdrawn yet,” Gomez said in a media conference tackling preparations for the Games.
“I hope (national basketball officials) will change their minds since we haven’t officially withdrawn yet,” Gomez said in a media conference tackling preparations for the Games.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, 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.
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.
“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.”
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 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.
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.
“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.)
(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)
Read More:
2018 Asian Games
Richard Gomez
Philippine Olympic Committee
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas
Gilas Pilipinas
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