Team Philippines aims high despite event cuts and Carlos Yulo’s absence in SEA Games 2025

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

Despite the record participation, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino urged caution heading into the regional showpiece, noting that several events where Filipino athletes traditionally thrive have been removed from the host nation’s program.

Under SEA Games rules, host countries have the flexibility to include indigenous sports and adjust event categories, a practice that has often influenced the medal standings. Thailand’s decisions this year present significant challenges for Team Philippines.

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One of the biggest setbacks, Tolentino noted, is the absence of gymnastics star Carlos Yulo, who will skip the Games after organizers limited gymnasts to only one apparatus in the individual finals.

“If we can match our finish in Cambodia, that’s enough already. Because you know, how the host Thailand is. Carlos Yulo will not have an event. They also scratched the weight categories of our medalists in martial arts. It’s still an uphill battle. But we will try our best. There will be a lot of surprises,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said the Philippines is up for an uphill battle campaign at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand from December 9 to 20. pic.twitter.com/q4zmSHml4W

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) November 17, 2025

In the 2023 edition in Cambodia, the Philippines sent 860 athletes and finished with 58 gold, 86 silver, and 116 bronze medals.

Looking ahead to Bangkok, Tolentino remains confident that boxing will be one of the country’s strongest sources of medals, especially with Olympian Eumir Marcial and unbeaten pro Weljon Mindoro joining the national team.

“We can’t say, but since Yulo won’t be competing, so which other sport will we turn to for medals? Definitely, boxing. I don’t want to say this, actually, but Eumir will compete as well as Mindoro. Those are the aces up our sleeves. We were able to convince them to fight for our country even though they are already professionals,” he added.

Basketball is also expected to deliver, with the Philippines entering the tournament as the defending champion.

“As we should. We are the defending champions. Of course, we should win gold. It’s like the Asian Games, it’s the talk of the town. So as the defending champion, we should win it,” Tolentino said.

The POC is still finalizing Team Philippines’ flagbearers for the opening ceremony, with Tolentino noting that the decision will depend largely on athletes’ availability.

“There are no official flagbearers yet because there are no official game schedules yet. So the question is, who will be in Bangkok by that time? Who will be available? Our flagbearers might be already in the middle of their competition. It will depend on who will be available by then,” Tolentino said.

As of now, each nation has been allotted 300 slots for the opening ceremony delegation, though reports indicate this number may be reduced as Thailand remains in mourning following the passing of a revered queen.

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