The Philippines' hopes for a first-ever gold medal in the coming Beijing Olympics rests on boxing and taekwondo, local media reported on Tuesday.

 

"We are focused on martial arts: boxing and taekwondo, of course, wushu as an Olympic demo sport, and even fencing, archery. But I am really focused on boxing and taekwondo," William Ramirez, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission was quoted by Philippine television network ABS-CBN News reported.

 

Ramirez made the statement as he observed the national boxing team at the World Boxing Championships in the United States, ABS- CBN said.

 

Martial arts, especially boxing and taekwondo, are almost the most popular sports in the Philippines, with athletes such as Manny Pacquiao and John Paul Lizardo enjoy much worship among Filipinos.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 31, 2007)