GUANGZHOU — The chief of mission of the Philippine delegation to the 16th Asian Games believes the athletes remain on track of matching the four-gold medal haul four years ago in Doha, Qatar.

“I think we still have a strong chance of winning more golds,” said Joey Romasanta Friday. “Marami pa naman tayong pagkukunan.”

The Filipinos have so far won two gold medals courtesy of bowler Biboy Rivera and pool star Dennis Orcollo on top of one silver and four bronzes.

Romasanta is pinning his hopes on boxing which accounted for two of four golds in Doha.

“Kahit isa lang, may makukuha tayo diyan sa boxing,” said Romasanta.

Three boxers have so far won their initial bouts, namely: Wilfredo Lopez and brothers Rey and Victorio Saludar.

The POC official is also hoping that the bowlers can secure a few more medals in their remaining events.

Romasanta said golf has been the biggest surprise so far.

“If we win a gold there, that would certainly most welcome,” he said.

Romasanta said he also has high hopes for taekwondo which is gunning for its first-ever gold in the Asian Games.

“Taekwondo has a solid program back home. Sooner or later, one of its fighters will deliver,” he said.

Romasanta made special mention of wrestling which he said could be the delegation’s wildcards.

“Our wrestlers trained for two months in Bulgaria. I won’t be surprised if they win medals here,” he said.

If there is one lesson learned here, according to Romasanta, is that Filipinos should focus on sports where size doesn’t matter and there is less subjectivity.

“One sport is cycling. Filipinos can be at par with the world’s best,” he said.

The trouble, however, is the cycling community is deeply divided at home.

“We should start sorting out our problems at home,” said Romasanta. "We should start realizing the folly of letting politics get in the way of development."

Party-list Rep. Mark Sambar visited the Athletes Village Friday as guest of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

“I came here to greet the athletes and find out what the Congress can do to help sports,” he said.

Sambar said that while Congress is sympathetic to the plight of athletes, it wants to make sure that funds intended for sports are used properly and properly accounted for.

“Even if there is money, we still have to make sure that it is not spent elsewhere other than its original purpose,” he said.

Rey Bancod, Manila Bulletin