The Philippines is eyeing 30 to 40 gold medals during the biennial sportsfest that formally opens on Dec. 11 in Nay Pyi Taw and three other cities across the nation.
Like the Philippines, traditional SEAG powerhouse Malaysia, which ruled the 2001 edition when it was held on its turf, is aiming to capture about 40 golds, according to The Star.
Malaysia said the non-inclusion of bowling, squash and track cycling will hurt its chances of winning more as the hosts was allowed to cut down on many traditional sports and events in place of indigenous ones.
Malaysia said it could win close to 70 had it not been for Myanmar’s success in scrapping many sports and events.
There will be 460 golds at stake in 33 sports.
The Philippines placed sixth overall the last time in Indonesia after finishing fifth in 2009 (Laos) and sixth in 2007 (Thailand).
Expected to crowd the Philippines for fifth or sixth is Singapore as defending champion Indonesia and Thailand are slugging it out for first place and Myanmar and Vietnam poised to battle for third.
Should Malaysia overachieve just like two years ago in Indonesia, the Philippines will have to grind it out with Singapore for sixth.
thestar.com
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