Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino hopes the country’s performance at the 19^th Asian Games would translate to more Filipino qualifiers to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“We’re praying. Hopefully madagdagan pa,” said Tolentino, who arrived with some of the Asian Games medalists from Hangzhou, China on Sunday night, Oct. 9.

At the said regional meet, Team PH went home with four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals. While it was three bronze medals short from the country’s previous showing in the 2018 Palembang edition, the Filipinos improved from 19^th place overall to 17^th.

It also produced one Olympic qualifier in boxer Eumir Marcial, who won the silver medal in the men’s 80kg division.

While other sports didn’t bring home medals, Tolentino said some athletes made a mark that include the Philippine swimming team which broke multiple national records.

More qualifying tournaments are lined up for athletes for the Olympiad slated July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024.

Aside from Marcial, three other athletes have already earned berths to Paris that include pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and gymnasts Carlos Yulo and Aleah Finnegan.

At the 2020 Tokyo Games, the country has 19 Olympics that eventually produced one gold in weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, two silvers from boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and one bronze in Marcial.