MANILA, Philippines — Sepak Takaw may finally win its first ever gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Sepak Takraw President Karen Caballero yesterday said that all the six SEA countries competing can only field athletes in three of the eight events, two in the men’s and one in the women’s division except the Philippines.

The Philippines—as Games host– has the option of competing in all six regu and hoops events.

The Philippine Sepak Takraw team is made up of veteran and youth players.

Among the veteran players still in the lineup are Jason Huerta, Reyjay Ortuste, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Josefina Maat, Des Oltor, Ronsted Cabayeron and Sara Catain.

Caballero said the Pinoy Takraw players, especially the world champion team in the 2016 Kings Cup, are eyeing to win two to three golds in the biennial games.

Thailand will still be the team to beat but can only dominate three of the six events.

Malaysia, Vietnam and Myanmar will be the other toughest rivals of the Philippine Team.

Sepak Takraw competitions will be held in Subic from December 1 to 8.

The Sepak Takraw team is coming into the Games well-prepared, especially with the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission which funded the team’s training preparations in Thailand and Korea, along with several other international tournaments.

The Philippines is pinning its hopes for gold in the men’s hoop doubles and women’s hoop. (LO/IAMIGO/CNS)