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Philippines Launches Largest SEA Games Delegation With 260 Athletes

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 8:45 GMT by SPIN

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Philippine Delegation to the 2025 SEA Games Sets Realistic Medal Targets

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Association for the Games (PHAG) are gearing up for the biggest Philippine delegation ever to compete in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) slated to be held in Singapore from 4‑17 May 2025. With 260 athletes across 35 sports, the delegation is set to make a powerful statement about the Philippines’ growing investment in sports and the nation's determination to rise through the medal table.

A Modest Yet Strategic Goal

In a recent briefing, PHAG’s Secretary General and former Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, along with POC President Gil Briones, announced a modest yet ambitious target: 30 gold medals and 90 overall medals. While the numbers may appear conservative compared to the Philippines’ historic 2019 SEA Games haul of 34 golds and 106 medals, the officials emphasised that the goal is rooted in a realistic assessment of the competition, the current level of athlete development, and the resources available.

“We’re not setting the bar too high so we can avoid disappointment,” said Diaz. “But we do want to secure a podium finish in the majority of sports where we have depth and experience.”

The target is seen as a stepping stone, allowing the Philippines to build a sustainable performance model for future regional and international meets, including the 2026 Asian Games and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where many SEA Games athletes aim to qualify.

Why 30 Gold? A Look at the Numbers

The 30‑gold target was derived from a rigorous data‑driven analysis of the Philippines’ strengths in specific sports and an evaluation of the performance of rival nations over the past decade. A PHAG research team identified six “core sports” where the Philippines has a strong medal‑winning pedigree:

1. Weightlifting – 4–5 gold medals expected, driven by the returning presence of athletes like Hidilyn Diaz and Liza del Rosario.
2. Boxing – 3–4 golds, with the national team set to field a full squad of 10 fighters.
3. Track & Field (Athletics) – 2–3 golds, largely focused on the 400‑m hurdles and the marathon.
4. Swimming – 2–3 golds, with the likes of Miguel Molina and Joycelyn Ricketts leading the charge.
5. Taekwondo – 3–4 golds, with a solid pipeline of champions in the Asian Taekwondo Union rankings.
6. Gymnastics – 1–2 golds, mainly in the women’s artistic and rhythmic disciplines.

The remaining 90‑overall‑medal target includes a healthy mix of silver and bronze medals, recognising that podium finishes in 25–30 sports are attainable if athletes peak at the right time.

A Bigger Delegation, Bigger Responsibility

This will be the largest Philippine delegation since the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, which featured 241 athletes. The 2025 delegation is expected to cover 35 sports – 30 of which are contested in the upcoming Games. The expansion is a direct result of the POC’s new “Sports Development for All” policy, which has seen increased funding for grassroots programs and the construction of new training facilities, such as the newly upgraded Philippine Sports Institute.

The PHAG’s Chief of Staff, Atty. Rolly Baclig, emphasised that “the delegation’s size is a testament to the depth of our athlete pool.” However, he also highlighted the logistical challenges of ensuring every athlete has the right support – from nutritionists and sports psychologists to physiotherapists and logistics coordinators.

Focus on Athlete Well‑Being and Performance

The PHAG has adopted a “Holistic Athlete Development” model, drawing on international best practices. The approach includes:

• Sports Science and Data Analytics – Coaches and performance analysts are using real‑time data to fine‑tune training loads and optimise recovery protocols.
• Mental Resilience Training – A full-time sports psychologist is on staff to work with athletes on coping mechanisms, motivation, and stress management.
• Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation – Partnerships with local hospitals and sports medicine specialists aim to minimise downtime for key athletes.

This comprehensive support system is designed to help athletes peak during the Games and reduce the risk of injuries that historically have plagued Filipino athletes in multi‑sport events.

Looking Ahead

While the 30‑gold, 90‑medal target may seem modest, PHAG’s officials stress that the true measure of success is not the final medal count but the progress made in athlete development and the strengthening of sports infrastructure. The 2025 SEA Games are viewed as a platform to showcase the fruits of the national sports program and to inspire a new generation of athletes.

As the Games draw nearer, Philippine athletes will continue to train intensively under the guidance of national coaches, many of whom have international coaching credentials. The Philippine Olympic Committee has also arranged pre‑Games competitions in Malaysia and Vietnam to give athletes the exposure needed to handle high‑pressure bouts.

In the words of PHAG Secretary General Diaz, “We’re going to go out there, give our best, and bring home not just medals, but a story of growth and resilience that future generations can be proud of.”