POC President Bambol Tolentino announced this on Monday, Sept. 18, during the send-off ceremony for the athletes at the PICC in Pasay City as the country eyes to surpass its previous performance in the quadrennial meet.
POC promises additional P1 million incentive to every Asiad gold medalist
Sep 18, 2023 06:35 AM
At a glance
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) promised an additional P1 million cash incentive for every gold medal that will be won in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China slated on Sept. 23.
POC President Bambol Tolentino announced this on Monday, Sept. 18, during the send-off ceremony for the athletes at the PICC in Pasay City as the country eyes to surpass its previous performance in the quadrennial meet.
“It will be a big challenge for us, but we will try to beat the previous record from the last Asian Games,” said Tolentino.
“I believe we can still do it. May paghuhugutan pa tayo kahit kulang tayo sa elite athletes,” he added.
The additional incentive from the POC will be apart from the cash bonus that Asian Games medalists will get from the government. Under the law, Asian Games gold winners will get P2 million, silver medalists P1 million and bronze P400,000.
The PH team went home with four gold, two silver and 15 bronze medals in the 2018 edition held in Palembang, Indonesia but only 10 of these medalists are returning to see action this year.
Aside from that, elite athletes such as two-time world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo will not compete this time as it coincides with the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium – a qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tolentino hopes the additional incentive from the POC will boost the conviction of athletes in their medal campaigns.
Sports officials pin their hopes on Tokyo Olympics champion Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting, world No. 2 pole vaulter and Asian champion EJ Obiena, Fil-Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez and boxers such as Tokyo medalists Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Marcial to deliver the gold medals.
Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo wished the athletes good luck in their campaign for the flag and country.
“This momentous occasion is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our athletes, their coaches and everyone who has been part of their journey towards greatness,” said Go, who promised to bat for additional government support especially to the differently-abled athletes seeing action in the 4th Asian Para Games happening on Oct. 22 to 28 also in Hangzhou, China.
The PH para team collected 10 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals in the 2018 Jakarta edition.