MANILA, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- The absence of a medal or the failure to win the gold after the first four days of competition has not seriously affected the morale of the Filipino athletes who remain in contention in the 15th Asian Games, local media reported on Wednesday.

    This was the statement issued from Doha by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez who remained confident that the Filipino athletes can either match or surpass its three-gold haul in the 2002 Busan Asian Games, said a report by The Philippine Star daily.

    "The level of competition here in Doha is very, very high," said Ramirez.

    "But just the same, the level of confidence of the Filipino athletes, including those who have yet to see action, is high," added Ramirez, the chef de mission of the Philippine contingent in the Games.

    While some of the Philippine athletes are probably on their way back home, there are still those who have yet to plunge into action, said Ramirez.

    "It's been quite difficult in the initial days. But our boxing team is doing very good also with initial wins by (Violito) Payla and (Anthony) Marcial. I'm really hoping that boxing can win a gold and a silver here in the Asian Games," he said.