Tolentino sees continuous upward trajectory of PH sports

<p><strong>TEMPLATE OF SUCCESS.</strong> Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino waves the national flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Aug. 11, 2024. Tolentino on Thursday (Dec. 19) said the template of success used by two-gold medal haul of gymnast Carlos Yulo and the two bronzes from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the 2024 Olympics, as well as Tokyo 2020 weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo would be enhanced to maintain the upward trajectory of Philippine sports. <em>(Contributed photo)</em></p> — **TEMPLATE OF SUCCESS.** Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino waves the national flag during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics on Aug. 11, 2024. Tolentino on Thursday (Dec. 19) said the template of success used by two-gold medal haul of gymnast Carlos Yulo and the two bronzes from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the 2024 Olympics, as well as Tokyo 2020 weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo would be enhanced to maintain the upward trajectory of Philippine sports. *(Contributed photo)*

MANILA – Newly reelected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is set to convene the newly formed Executive Board on Jan. 9, 2025 and the first General Assembly of the year on Jan. 16 with an eye of maintaining the upward trajectory of Philippine sports.

“Work starts in earnest,” Tolentino said Thursday in a news release.

After the historic two-gold medal haul of gymnast Carlos Yulo and the two bronzes from boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the POC chief expects more success from the Filipino athletes.

“It was one historic year in 2024 that raised the bar that high, making the POC’s mission and vision even more challenging,” Tolentino said.

“But it wasn’t impossible and my trust and confidence over the NSAs (National Sports Associations) and my ‘Working Team’ could boost our athletes to achieve higher goals,” he added.

Tolentino emphasized that the template of success used by Yulo and Tokyo 2020 weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo would be enhanced.

“The template’s been tried, tested and proven twice over. For this coming year, the ingredients are there, making the path to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 clearer and achievable,” said the PhilCycling head, who was reelected as POC president after getting 45 votes representing three-fourths of the 61 voting members.

Many international competitions are lined up in 2025, including the 9th Asian Winter Games scheduled on Feb. 7-14 in Harbin, China; Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Jeddah and the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in December to be hosted by Thailand.

“That will be a tough SEA Games, but I’m confident our athletes, our national sports associations will deliver in Thailand,” said Tolentino.

His “Working Team” comprises first vice president Al Panlilio (basketball), second vice-president Richard Gomez (modern pentathlon), treasurer Dr. Raul Canlas (surfing), auditor Don Caringal (volleyball) and board members Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Ferdie Agustin (jiu-jitsu), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Alexander Sulit (judo) and Leah Gonzalez (fencing). — Jean Malanum (PNA)