Header Ads Widget

PSC OIC Mon Fernandez to meet with POC regarding Olympic bidders' return to training

The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 is chasing a spot in the Tokyo Olympics. Chooks-To-Go (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Philippine Sports Commission officer-in-charge Mon Fernandez said that his office will meet with the POC and Tokyo Olympics chef de mission Nonong Araneta to discuss how the athletes who are looking to qualify for next year's Olympiad can resume their training.

"We plan to meet with POC and CDM Nonong Araneta to discuss the resumption of training on the national team, especially the Olympic hopefuls," the PBA hall of famer said in a statement on Friday, moments after the IATF approved the resumption of sports practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Related Story: Basketball, football practices now allowed despite COVID-19 pandemic]

While basketball and football training sessions were given more focus in the resolution considering that the PBA, Chooks-To-Go Pilipinas 3x3, and PFL made their practice protocols and submitted them to GAB for the endorsement and the eventual approval of the IATF, the joint administrative order of GAB, PSC, and DOH actually includes other sports, giving those who are still in the running for a spot in Tokyo the green light to train again.

For the meantime while they await when the athletes can train again, Fernandez said, "We shall await more information and instructions from the IATF on the joint working group between GAB, DOH and PSC so we can proceed more efficiently and effectively."

Only four athletes, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Caloy Yulo, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno made the cut so far.

Notable athletes who are still contending for Olympic spots include taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, skateboarder Margielyn Didal, and the Gilas Pilipinas Men 3x3 team.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno