by Nick Giongco
Resolving the leadership crisis in karate, swimming and jiu jitsu is tops on the agenda of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), whose newly-elected president has vowed to settle as the countdown to the 2018 Asian Games enters the critical T-minus stage.
“We are hoping to solve them right away,” said POC president Ricky Vargas when pressed to give his insights on the problems besetting the three sports.
Karate has been put under the control of the POC while swimming is going under the microscope with the FINA already briefed by the POC about its status.
Jiu jitsu, which has two claimants, is being looked at by the POC as well with Vargas looking forward to the inclusion of the best bets to the Aug. 18- Sept. 2 quadrennial sportsfest in Indonesia.
“The idea is to be inclusive rather than exclusive,” said Vargas. “By being inclusive, we get the best talent but if your exclusive, you only get the best (from what is) available.”
Karate has been put under the POC’s control owing to the alleged involvement of its top officials in a funding mess that left the athletes’ training in disarray.
So far, more than 200 athletes have been eyed for inclusion to the Asiad and Vargas insists that the POC will soon determine whether the number conforms with its vision and goals.
Four years ago in Incheon, the Philippines placed 22nd overall with just one gold medal to show courtesy of Fil-Am BMX rider Daniel Caluag.
Vargas, though refraining to predict, wants a marked improvement from 2014 by targeting 15th spot.
