PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. will honor the country’s medal winners in the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games in elaborate rites today, Wednesday, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Dubbed “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino,” the grand heroes’ welcome will feature video presentations and production numbers to highlight the stories and great service of the national athletes and their coaches.
Marcos will also take part in the awarding of the Presidential citation and other incentives.
“This celebration is a testament to the national government’s unwavering support to each of our national athletes. We thank the President for personally coming over here at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum to honor our medalist, their coaches and their families,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann.
Team Philippines brought home four gold, two silvers and 12 bronze medals during the two-week continental sports spectacle from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.
The gold medals were delivered by EJ Obiena in the pole vault while qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics; Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez who reigned supreme in jiu-jitsu, and Gilas Pilipinas, which ended the country’s 62-year championship drought in men’s basketball.
Also to be honored are silver medalists Eumir Felix Marcial of boxing and Arnel Mandal of wushu, together with bronze medalists Patrick King Perez of taekwondo, Jones Inso, Gideon Padua and Clemente Tabugara Jr. of wushu, Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara of tennis, Patrick Coo of cycling, Elreen Ando of weightlifting, Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu, Sakura Alforte of karate, and the men’s sepak takraw team.
Heading the Gilas Pilipinas team in the event are Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA vice chairman Bobby Rosales and SMC sports director and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua, the Gilas team manager.
Also expected to attend the affair are SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., and Ramon S. Ang, president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation.
Welcoming the President’s entourage and the athletes and their families are PSC officials and Philippine Olympic Committee officials led by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
Concluding the event is the presentation of the Asian Games 2023 souvenirs and the official Molten FIBA basketball to the President.