POC Chief Bambol Tolentino backs record-large Philippine squad to deliver surprise wins at 33rd SEA Games

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino believes the country’s record-breaking delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games is poised to spring surprises, even as the Philippines enters the competition without its usual full slate of medal-rich events.

With nearly 1,200 athletes across 50 sports, Team Philippines is sending its largest contingent in history to the biennial meet. Tolentino said the size of the delegation alone reflects the country’s commitment to compete across more fronts, particularly in team and winter events that have recently expanded in scope.

“Eto ang pinakamalaki dahil maraming team events,” Tolentino said. “Nandiyan din ang winter events, maraming team events.”

The POC chief, however, tempered expectations for an overall championship. Host Thailand is fielding an even bigger group and is expected to capitalize on home-court advantage and a wide slate of medal opportunities. 

“But remember, this is the biggest Philippine delegation pero mas malaki ang delegates ng mga katunggali. Pero wag sila pa-siguro dahil marami po tayong surprises,” Tolentino added. 

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The Philippines enters the Games with certain handicaps, including changes in event offerings. Tolentino noted that several sports where the country typically excels were trimmed or modified—gymnastics being the most notable, with star Carlos Yulo barred from competing in all events.

Yulo eventually withdrew from the SEA Games altogether due to injury concerns.

Still, Tolentino stressed that the delegation has enough depth to compensate for the losses.

“Ang akala nila basketball lang. Nandiyan ngayon ang billiards, nandiyan ang e-sports, nandiyan ang floorball, nandiyan ang ice skating and ice hockey, nandiyan ang polo. Ang daming bago ngayon. Of course, nandiyan ang MMA, combat sports natin, karate, wrestling, chess, hindi po magpapatalo ‘yan,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in weightlifting despite further adjustments in categories that affected the Philippines’ traditional medal prospects.

“Of course, weightlifting hahakot ng marami ‘yan kahit ginawan pa ng paraan na wala ‘yung ibang sports. Wala ‘yung ibang medal chances natin, kay Yulo inalis, hindi na lang siya naglaro, binigay na lang sa iba. Pati ‘yung ibang weight categories. Kanya-kanyang paraan. Sabi ko nga, it’s too personal na,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino emphasized that while the athletes are prepared, officiating will play a major role in several events.

“Ang ingatan lang natin, ‘yung judging. Wag naman pero all the rest, knockout kung knockout. Tumba kung tumba. ‘Yan ang Pilipino, hindi magpapatalo ‘yan,” he said.

Amid preparations, Tolentino also acknowledged the challenges facing the host nation. Thailand is mourning the passing of former queen Sirikit and dealing with flooding in Songkhla, which forced some SEA Games events to relocate to Bangkok.

The POC chief said the Philippines understands the situation and remains focused on competing while showing respect to their hosts.

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