Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Baham Mitra personally visited a workout session of a PBA team Thursday and was satisfied with what he saw, making him more confident the PBA can return to play soon.
Dropping by the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong, Mitra personally witnessed how the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters properly conducted training based on approved guidelines by the government.
“Actually, sobrang bait nila. Kasi yung inabot ko apat lang in a session. Eh allowed sila hanggang lima. Very good, they’re complying and self-regulating,” said Mitra.
“Sabi ko nga tuloy-tuloy lang nila, para ‘di na kami mahirapan mag-ikot,” added Mitra as to his chat with Rain or Shine assistant coach Mike Buendia, a family friend.
But the GAB chief stressed they will continue with their random visits not just to the workouts of PBA teams but other clubs – pro boxing, pro football – under their supervision.
Mitra is with these professional leagues in their hope to resume play soon.
“I think we’re slowly seeing the flattening of the curve. International actions are back. At kailangan din naman natin ibalanse. Kailangan din ng mga kababayan natin ang sports entertainment,” said Mitra.
PBA has a pending request with the IATF for the approval of the shift of the ball clubs to a more active training that will include 5-on-5 scrimmages.
And the pro loop is looking at resuming PBA Season 45 Philippine Cup in October.