Asian Games 2023: Gilas Womens 3x3 team pulls out - Here's Why

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With its appeal for inclusion of two replacement players denied, the Philippine women’s 3×3 team decided to withdraw from the 19th Asian Games with a heavy heart.

Coach Patrick Aquino said the team was left with no recourse as it only has Camille Nolasco and Louna Ozar in its roster after the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC) thumbed down last-minute replacements Cielo Pagdulagan and Marga Villanueva.

Camille Nolasco [photo credit: Camille Nolasco Facebook]

Pagdulagan and Villanueva were supposed to take the place of 3×3 veterans Camille Clarin and Angel Surada.

The decision was handed out Monday morning at the start of basketball competitions in the quadrennial showpiece.

Aquino apologized in behalf of the team, and at the same time, felt sorry for the players as the stint was the first time the 3×3 women’s squad is seeing action in the Asiad.

“Just so sad dahil first time kami dito (3×3) and then ganito nga ang nangyari,” said the multi-titled coach.

The Philippines was scheduled to play Jordan for its first game.