Unless its international federation has a change of heart, wrestling won’t be played when the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Phisgoc Chief Operating Officer Tats Suzara said in a letter sent to national wrestling chief Alvin Aguilar.
Suzara revealed that the International and Asian Federation of Wrestling has not sent an authorization for the Phisgoc to hold competitions during the Nov. 30-Dec. 11 biennial sportsfest.
“Please be informed that considering that Phisgoc has not received any official authorization from the International and Asian Federation of Wrestling, as required by the SEA Games Federation Charter, the Phisgoc cannot proceed organizing wrestling in the upcoming SEA Games,” Suzara said in a letter dated Aug. 26.
Copies of the correspondence were forwarded to Phisgoc chairman Alan Peter Cayetano, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“Therefore, much to our regret, your sport will not be included in the official program of the 30th SEA Games to be held in the Philippines,” said Suzara.
But there remains a glimmer of hope for wrestling to make it .
“There is a SEAG Technical Delegates meeting on Sept. 4 and we’ll know by then if wrestling could still be included,” said Suzara in an interview.
There are 530 gold medals from 56 sports on tap and wrestling offers 14. (Nick Giongco)
