PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez (File photo)
MANILA – The Filipino athletes remain focused and steadfast despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic restrictions with some still hoping to earn a ticket to the Tokyo Olympics, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said on Monday.
In a virtual press conference, PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said at least 20 more athletes are still “fighting it out” to join seven athletes who already qualified to compete in the rescheduled Tokyo Games from July 23 until Aug. 8 this year.
PSC national training director Marc Velasco also expressed optimism that more athletes will qualify for the Tokyo games.
“Our golfers are on the top 40. I’m pretty sure na madadagdagan pa yung mga (more will join our) qualified athletes,” Velasco said.
Currently, the Tokyo-bound athletes include 2016 Olympic silver medalist weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, and Irish Magno.
Velasco said the national athletes have been getting proper support not only from their respective national sports associations (NSAs) but also from the PSC.
“The good news is that our athletes are really focused. It’s good to know that most of our athletes are as mentally resilient as any other athletes in the world. Our athletes remain steadfast to really compete and try to qualify for Olympics. We have provided support for our athletes,” Velasco said.
He said many national athletes are also preparing for the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games slated later this year.
Ramirez said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP300 million of the PHP700-million budget allotted for international games.
He said the PHP300 million will be spent for the country’s participation in Olympic Games, including Paralympics, and SEA Games.
“We are ready,” Ramirez said, adding 100 athletes are now having foreign training despite the pandemic.
“Rest assured that the PSC will give everything for our Olympic athletes. And just like what Chairman said, we are ready,” Velasco, for his part, added. (PNA)
