Philippine Asian Games roster rises

Chief de Mission Joey Romasanta disclosed on Monday (August 23) that 31 more athletes were added to the Philippine team bound for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, and 56 more might be included should two sports associations matched the criteria set by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The additional athletes - from taekwondo, dancesports and bowling - brought to 157 the total number of athletes so far officially acrredited as members of the Philippine team.

There will be 476 events on tap in 42 sports in the November 12 to 27 sportsfest and the Philippines will compete in 28 disciplines, said Romasanta, who is also the spokesperson of the POC.

The Guangzhou organisers have given all national Olympic committees until September 30 to submit the final roster but the POC has imposed a September 15 ultimatum on the national sports associations involved.

Romasanta said the possible addition will come from the men's and women's dragon boat squads which will number 44 persons, and the women's basketball team which has 12 players.

Dragon boat and (women's) basketball have until October to prove if they are qualified for the Asian Games.

"They have until October to prove if they can make the grade," said Romasanta.

"We will submit their names but if they fail to meet our standard, then, we have no choice but to inform the organisers that we are pulling them out."