Garcia urges Pinoy Asiad bets to match Gilas’ heart

Philippine Sports Association Chairman Richie Garcia. PDI FILE PHOTO/ RICHARD REYES

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino athletes in the coming 14th Asian Games should match the resolve of Gilas Pilipinas in the ongoing Fiba World Cup.

Such is the notion of Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia for the country to win gold medals in the continental meet in Incheon, South Korea, from Sept. 19 to Oct.4.

Despite its underdog tag in the world championship in Seville, Spain, the Philippine basketball team showed it can push even the top countries in the planet to the limit.

Gilas lost all three games but had the chance to win, definitely earning the respect of Croatia, Greece and Argentina.

“I know that watching our basketball team play in Spain anything can also happen in the Asian Games,” said Garcia, the chef de mission to Incheon Games, during Tuesday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate. Gilas also aims to make a statement in the Asiad after placing second in the 2013 Manila Fiba Asia Championship.

The Philippines tries to end a long medal drought after bringing home a bronze in 1998. The national dribblers last captured a gold in the 1962 Asiad.

“If our athletes can give the same effort as our basketball players in Spain, then we can win more medals,” said Garcia.