Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary-General Wharton Chan spoke highly of the Olympians competing in SEA Games 2025, optimistic that they would take home gold medals. He also spoke of Team Philippines' flag bearers Bryan Bagunas and Alex Eala.
Philippine Olympic Committee Secretary-General Wharton Chan was optimistic that Team Philippines' top-tier athletes, such as the Olympians and flag bearers would deliver the gold medals in SEA Games 2025.
Among the Olympians who are competing in Thailand for the Southeast Asian Games are boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, and Hergie Bacyadan.
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"Inaasahan lahat ng 'yan will be on their A-game," Chan told Cignal on the day of the opening ceremony. "They're also motivated to do another Olympics in LA."
"Foresight, gold medal haul, andyan po 'yan from our Olympians."
[ALSO READ: Boxers Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan weather heat, weight challenges in SEA Games bid]
He also spoke highly of Team Philippines' flagbearers in the opening ceremony—Alas Pilipinas Men captain Bryan Bagunas and tennis star Alex Eala.
"We have showcased Philippine volleyball in the world stage, kaya natin mag-compete in the world level," Chan said, referring to Bagunas and Alas, who beat Egypt in the recent FIVB Men's World Championship in Manila.
"With Alex Eala, the new face of Philippine sports especially with women, kakaiba po. Kita natin world-class, world-renowned," he said of the world No. 52 tennister.
[ALSO READ: Philippine tennis body hopes flag bearer Alex Eala inspires Team Philippines in SEA Games]
The opening ceremony will take place this Tuesday at 8 p.m. It will be livestreamed on the One Sports YouTube page and via Pilipinas Live. It will also be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, and RPTV.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE | Team Philippines competes at SEA Games 2025 Thailand]
(With reports from Nic Earnshaw/Cignal)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.