Philippines’ track and field team aim to surpass 2023 SEA Games medal tally in Bangkok

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) are set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 9 to 20, with the Philippines sending one of its largest contingents ever — a 1,600-strong delegation of athletes competing across multiple sports.

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA), led by secretary general Jasper Tanhueco, is confident the Filipino track and field team can improve on their medal haul from the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. To achieve this, Tanhueco revealed that the federation is sending a squad capable of surpassing their previous tally of four golds, 10 silvers, and eight bronzes.

Currently, the Filipino track and field athletes are training at New Clark City in Tarlac, where all their nutritional needs are being met.

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“Our SEA Games team, I could say it’s in a good place. Many of our local athletes are staying in the training camp in New Clark. So, they have proper meals and an abundance of fruits. That’s really a request of president Terry,” Tanhueco said in a media interaction.

Jasper Tanhueco, secretary general of PATAFA, confirms that pole vaulter EJ Obiena will be competing in the SEA Games this December 🇵🇭💪 pic.twitter.com/nbP89YEo0Q

— Dyan Castillejo (@DYANCASTILLEJO) November 3, 2025

“We are proud to send a mix of veterans and young talents representing us for the SEA Games. We expect to surpass our previous performance,” he added.

The country’s major medal hopes rest on pole vault icon EJ Obiena, who enters the SEA Games as the reigning champion and record holder. The 30-year-old has already won three SEA Games gold medals and will train in China before flying to Bangkok, using the competition as preparation for the Asian Indoor Championships.

“He will have a training camp in China before going to Bangkok. It is also in preparation for the Asian Indoor Championships next year. We have several guys that we think will win the gold and silver. But the team is based on their medal potential as well,” Tanhueco concluded.

Alongside Obiena, other Filipino track and field stars expected to contend for medals include hurdlers Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang, Eric Cray, and Robyn Brown, long jumper Janry Ubas, and sprinter Kristina Knott.

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