IATF nod on Olympic bets sought

The PSC and POC is requesting approval from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the resumption of training of Tokyo-bound athletes and other Olympic hopefuls.

PSC officer-in-charge Ramon Fernandez and POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said they are seeking an “exemption” to prohibitions on the conduct of sports during the pandemic quarantine.

Fernandez stressed that allowing the athletes to resume training will provide the needed boost in their quest to deliver the country’s first Olympic gold.

Four athletes have already qualified to the postponed Olympics – gymnast Caloy Yulo, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Felix Marcial and Irish Magno.

Other Filipinos who have strong chances are 2016 Rio Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, world champion female boxer Nesthy Petecio, skateboarder Margie Didal, taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez and karateka Junna Tsukii.

Fernandez said there’s no assurance the IATF will grant them their request the way the IATF allowed professional athletes from the PBA, Philippine Football League and boxing to resume training but under strict health protocols.

“We can only recommend, but IATF will have the final say,” said Fernandez.

The PSC cited the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Manila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City as suitable for training, including the fencing hall, multi-purpose center, strength and conditioning building, and the dormitory training hall at the PhilSports Complex, and the taekwondo and boxing gyms inside the RMSC.

PSC national training director Marc Velasco said they are already conducting “massive disinfection” of facilities after the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium were used as COVID-19 facilities.