Newly-reelected Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has set the stage for an ambitious 2025, vowing to build on the country’s historic sporting achievements in 2024.
The first Executive Board meeting of the year is scheduled for January 9, with the General Assembly following a week later on January 15. Tolentino emphasized that the focus will be on delivering outstanding performances in the numerous international competitions lined up for the year.
![POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino waves the country’s colors during the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics last August. [POC photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cong-bambol1.png)
Key Events in 2025
Among the highlights of the packed calendar are:
- 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games: Set for December in Thailand, where the hosts are expected to put up a strong fight for the overall championship.
- Ninth Asian Winter Games: Taking place from February 7 to 14 in Harbin, China.
- Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games: Scheduled in Jeddah, with dates yet to be confirmed.
“That will be a tough SEA Games, but I’m confident our athletes and national sports associations (NSAs) will deliver in Thailand,” said Tolentino.
Building on 2024’s Historic Success
Tolentino reflected on the achievements of 2024, calling it a historic year that set a high standard for Philippine sports. The standout performances included:
- Carlos Yulo’s two gold medals in gymnastics at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
- Bronze medals in boxing from Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas.
“The bar has been raised that high, making the POC’s mission and vision even more challenging,” he said. “But with the NSAs and my ‘Working Team,’ I’m confident we can help our athletes achieve even higher goals.”
The “Working Team”
Tolentino’s team was overwhelmingly endorsed in last month’s POC elections. The lineup includes:
- Al Panlilio (basketball), First Vice President
- Richard Gomez (modern pentathlon), Second Vice President
- Dr. Raul Canlas (surfing), Treasurer
- Don Caringal (volleyball), Auditor
- Board Members: Leonora Escollante (canoe-kayak-dragon boat), Ferdie Agustin (jiu-jitsu), Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Alexander Sulit (judo), and Leah Gonzalez (fencing).
A Winning Template
Tolentino stressed the importance of continuing to refine the strategies that led to the success of athletes like Yulo and Tokyo 2020 weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.
“The template’s been tried, tested, and proven twice over,” he said. “For this coming year, the ingredients are there, making the path to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 clearer and achievable.”
With 2025 expected to be a pivotal year for Philippine sports, the POC remains steadfast in its mission to support athletes and prepare them for success on the world stage.
