Thirty-eight Filipino athletes have been labeled by various national sports association (NSAs) leaders as genuine 2020 Olympic candidates, Tokyo chief of mission Nonong Araneta declared yesterday.
The Tokyo Olympics runs from July 24 until Aug. 9 and Araneta, after conferring with 15 NSA leaders, was told that 38 out of about 50 handpicked have what it takes to meet the grade when qualifying events are held overseas in the next few months.
Only representatives from archery and triathlon were unable to attend the briefing that also had in attendance Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Butch Ramirez and a high-ranking official from Pagcor, government entities that will play a vital role in financing the training and overseas participation of the Olympic aspirants.
The Philippines so far has two athletes who have secured Olympic slots: World champion gymnast Carlos Yulo and Italy-based pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Araneta said athletics is capable of qualifying four athletes, including the assured two (one male and one female) while swimming also has two and the men’s basketball 3×3 can advance and send four dribblers.
All the others came up with these: boxing (5-6), golf (2), judo (2), skateboarding (2), weightlifting (3), taekwondo (4), cycling (3), rowing (3), table tennis (1), kayak (2) and karate (1-2).
“These are athletes who are in the thick of preparations in earning Olympic berths,” said Araneta, who heads football.
“We have to protect taxpayers’ money,” said Araneta, who got the appointment as CDM from Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.
Ramirez said the government will go the extra mile in helping Filipino athletes gain Olympic spots.
“We will work together with the CDM in making sure the Filipino athlete qualifies,” said Ramirez.
Olympic qualification tournaments are underway although most will commence in February and will last until June.
Araneta is obviously giddy with excitement over the big numbers presented by the NSAs.