Quest is on
Eumir Marcial and Kayla Sanchez, two of the Philippines’ brightest medal hopes, were right in the middle of all the talk about the Asian Games, which officially got going on Saturday with a spectacular opening ceremony.
But they were talked about for different reasons.
For Marcial, the discussions centered largely on the uncertainty of his status for the continental showcase.
“It’s difficult to keep your hopes up,” Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines president Marcus Manalo said via a report mailed to media offices. “It’s very stressful to keep hoping.”
The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist is scheduled to fight Omar Huerta in Temecula, California, just hours before the Asian Games boxing draw. His condition after the professional bout will determine whether he can travel to Japan in time to compete in the men’s 80-kilogram division beginning Sept. 23.
Sanchez, meanwhile, begins another major international campaign in Japan five years after representing Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, where she won silver and bronze medals in relays.
“Different flag, same big dreams,” Sanchez wrote on Instagram.
Now swimming for the Philippines, Sanchez enters Aichi-Nagoya as one of the country’s strongest medal prospects after winning three golds and five silvers at the Southeast Asian Games.
She is entered in six events: the 100-meter backstroke, 100 freestyle, 4×100 medley relay, 4×200 freestyle relay, 50 backstroke and 50 freestyle.
The Philippines has not won an Asian Games swimming medal since Ryan Papa took two bronzes at the 1998 Bangkok Games.
Gian Christopher Santos opens the Philippine swimming campaign Sunday in the men’s 200 individual medley.
“We are hoping to surpass, even double, our output [from the last Asian Games],” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a media pool video. “We are hoping for that because we know we prepared really hard for this Asian Games.”
Marcial is unbeaten in seven professional fights, but he faces quite the challenge in Herta, who owns a 15-1-1 record with 13 knockouts.
“I think the chances are dim [that Marcial can compete in the Asiad],” Manalo said. “His opponent is also tough. And even if he wins, what will his condition be? If he does catch a flight here, he has to contend with jet lag. His hands could get injured, and that could need a long recovery period.”
Elsewhere, the Philippines will have several medal and advancement opportunities on Sunday.
The women’s soft tennis team faces host Japan in the semifinals, while Prince Agustin plays Myanmar’s Friday Saw for bronze in men’s singles teqball.
Wushu standout Agatha Wong competes in women’s taijiquan and taijijian, while Jenifer Kilapio fights in the women’s 52kg sanda quarterfinals.
Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons open their women’s beach volleyball campaign against Bangladesh, while the Alas Pilipinas women’s squad faces Qatar in the classification round after missing the quarterfinals.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio urged the delegation to carry the country’s hopes into competition.
“You have worked hard and sacrificed much to be here,” Gregorio said in a statement. “Focus your mind and remember your purpose—for yourself, your family, and the country.”
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