WITH only 20 days left before the coronavirus- delayed Tokyo Olympics, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is confident the Filipino athletes can bring home a medal — gold, silver or bronze.

PSC Chairman William “Butch”Ramirez believes the 19-strong Filipino athletes have what it takes to compete against the best in the world during the prestigious competition scheduled July 23-August 8 in the Japanese capital city.

“I’m so excited for the result of the hard work of the athletes, coaches, and NSAs on this journey to Tokyo Olympics in this pandemic,” said Ramirez when he guested on the “PSC Hour” program of Radyo Pilipinas Dos last Friday.

“Naniniwala akong may medalya tayo sa Tokyo Olympics. Malamang meron tayong gold, silver at bronze medal kasi mayron din tayong mga baguhan na pwedeng gumawa ng surprises,” added Ramirez, who was appointed as PSC Chairman for the second time in 2016 by President Duterte.

“Hindi naman kailangan na umabot ka ng 12 years para maka-medalya ka sa Olympics. Depende din sa talento ng atleta, coaching at exposure. Madaming factors talaga,” added Ramirez, who also hopes the Filipinos’ Olympic campaign in Tokyo can help unite the country.

The long-time Davao City sports leader-educator thanked all the athletes for their sacrifices and dedication and congratulated them for achieving their dream of becoming an Olympian.

“Yung makarating ka lang ng Olympics, parang nanalo ka na rin ng gold. It’s priceless to be in an international competition like the Olympic Games,” said Ramirez.

He disclosed that the government sports agency has spent around 2 billion on the national team’s expenses for the national team’s preparations beginning in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Jaineiro.

“Our preparations started as early as 2016 Rio Olympics,” he remarked.

As of July 3, a total of 19 Filipino athletes have already booked their tickets to the Tokyo Olympics.

They are Ernest John Obiena (athletics), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Eumir Felix Marcial (boxing), Irish Magno (boxing), Nesthy Petecio (boxing), Carlo Paalam (boxing), Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Kristina Knott (athletics), Yuka Saso (golf), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Luke Gebbie (swimming) and Remedy Rule (swimming).

It is the second biggest delegation to be sent by the country since joining the Olympics in Paris in 1924.

Ramirez urged the Filipino people to pray for all the athletes competing in Tokyo.

“I encourage everyone to offer some prayers for our delegation. We need your prayers and your cheers. Win or lose help us. Sana mamayagpag ang atletang Pilipino,” said Ramirez.