Fans of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team got the chance to meet and interact with the Filipinas on Thursday during an open training session and meet-and-greet at the Adidas Football Park in Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City on Thursday, as the team prepared to depart for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, running from September 14 to October 2.
The sendoff featured contributions from several Filipinas set to feature in Nagoya, with winger Inday Tolentino and forward Alex Carpio among those sharing their thoughts with pff.org.ph.
Tolentino, who also plays a leading role for the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team, reflected on a packed year of competition across multiple national programs.
“I’m so grateful because we didn’t expect so many opportunities to come to us,” Tolentino said in English. “I’m grateful that Coach Mark gave me the confidence to enter this team.”
Addressing supporters at the event, Tolentino added, “We’re really thankful that they’re here for us. We’re also here to play for them.”
Carpio, the reigning Most Valuable Player of the PFF Women’s League, pointed to the growing number of Filipinas playing overseas as a sign of the program’s progress.
“I think the fact that we’re able to send Filipinas to the top leagues in other countries, it’s just another sign that Philippine football is really growing,” Carpio said. “Thankfully, through all the hard work that even the past Filipinas have done, going to the World Cup before, and just going back to their clubs and showing what Filipina excellence can be like.”
The meet-and-greet gave fans, many of whom braved the day’s rain, a final chance to cheer on the team in person before its departure for Japan.
The Filipinas open their campaign against Uzbekistan on September 14 at 1:00 p.m., before facing Hong Kong on September 17 at 6:00 p.m. and China on September 21 at 3:00 p.m. All matches will be played at the Gifu Nagaragawa Stadium, with kickoff times reflected in Philippine Standard Time.
