By NICK GIONGCO
GOLFER Yuka Saso, the 17-year-old Asian Games gold medalist, is handing over every cent of her Php9-million cash incentive from the government and private sector to the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP).
Saso insists that her amateur status prevents her from receiving money and doing so could jeopardize her relationship with the world governing body for the sport.
“Amateur pa ako, bawal pa kami tumanggap ng pera so ido-donate po namin sa NGAP para masuportahan yung ibang bata (junior golf),” said Saso during the formal awarding of cash incentives to fellow Asian Games medalists at Malacañang late yesterday afternoon.
The Philippines won four gold, two silver and 15 bronze medals and the Bulacan-bred Saso turned out to be the biggest winner since she’s also a member of the women’s team that bagged the gold.
Under the law, a gold in the Asian Games is worth Php2 million. Aside from that, President Duterte, who was on hand to receive the biggest performers, pledged Php1 million apart from Php1 million apiece from Siklab Atleta Foundation head and Presidential Adviser on Sports Dennis Uy and Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hiong Tan.
Since Saso also was a member of the team event, she is also a recipient of another Php2 million.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) had also pledged Php2 million for every gold based on the government’s scheme but the awarding has yet to take place.
Asked that her fellow medalists are going to invest the money and keep a portion in the bank, Saso was quick to downplay its importance.
“Walang panghihinayang, hindi naman po pera ang habol ko, gusto ko lang mag-enjoy,” she said. “Masaya na ako na nanalo kami, okay ma po ako doon.”
Duterte expressed his admiration over the Philippines’ performance, which was a marked improvement from the one-gold production four years ago in Incheon.
“The country is immensely proud,” said Duterte, stressing that the Philippine Sports Commission’s lead role in taking care of the athletes should be commended.
The two other gold medalists – lifter Hidilyn Diaz and skateboarder Margie Didal – were on hand to receive their rewards as well as the medalists’ coaches as they also stand to receive their incentives.
