Just days before the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, Team Philippines suffered a setback as snowboarder Adrian Lee Tongko withdrew due to injury.

Tongko hurt his knee during training in Hakuba, Japan, and will not be competing in China.

“We’re down to 20 athletes after Adrian suffered the injury. He won’t be coming to China,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, while expressing confidence in the remaining delegation.

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Tongko’s coach, Kevin Bernier, confirmed that the swelling in his right knee had not subsided, making it unsafe for him to compete.

Commendable

“Kevin feels Adrian may only hurt himself more,” said Jim Apelar, president of the Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation.

Despite the setback, the Philippines is optimistic about a commendable performance with a team that includes short-track speed skater Peter Groseclose and figure skaters Isabella Gamez, Alexander Korovin, Sofia Frank, Paolo Borromeo, and Cathryn Limketkai.

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Slalom alpine skiers Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx, along with snowboarder Laetaz Amihan Rabe, will also compete. For the first time, the country has entered curling teams, with men’s and women’s squads set to make their debut. INQ