DALAWANG Olympic World Qualifying Tournaments sa China at France ang lalahukan ng pitong Pinoy boxers, ayon kay Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) secretary general Ed Picson.
Ang qualifying tournament sa China ay lalarga sa Pebrero habang ang sa France ay sa Abril kung saan mapapalaban ang mga Pinoy sa mga bigatin sa mundo na pawang naghahangad na makapaglaro sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“If they pass the qualifying in China, they will no longer compete in France. However, if they fail to qualify in China, they will see action in France. Hopefully, they would make it in China and avoid seeing action in France,” sabi ni Picson.
Ang mga Olympic aspirant ay sina Felix Eumir Marcial, Jogen Lagon, Charley Suarez, Carlo Paalam, Ian Clark Bautista, Mario Fernandez at James Palicte. Lahat sila ay nanalo ng medalya sa katatapos na 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Sinabi ni Picson na puspusan ang paghahanda ng mga boxer sa masusing gabay ni head coach Pat Gaspi, kasama sina coach Ronald Chavez, Elias Recaido, magkapatid na Nolito at Roel Velasco at Australian boxing consultant Donald Admintt.
“The two Olympic qualifying competitions are tough because they are ranged against the best boxers in the world all jockeying for Olympic berths. They have to be in top shape and prepared mentally and physically to pass the toughest acid test in their quest for personal glory and the chance to compete in the Olympics,” aniya.
Ang kampanya ng mga Pinoy boxer ay popondohan ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) na pinamumunuan ni Chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez at ng MVP Foundation at susuportahan ng Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) na pinamumunuan ni Rep. Abraham Tolentino.
Ang ABAP na pinangangasiwaan ni dating POC president Ricky Vargas ang pinakamatagumpay na National Sports Association sa Olympics kung saan nanalo ito ng dalawang pilak at tatlong tanso.
Sina gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo at pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena ang unang dalawang Pinoy na nagkuwalipika sa Tokyo Olympics.
Umaasa si Picson na malulusutan ng mga Pinoy ang dalawang nasabing qualifying competitions.
“Hopefully, they would survive and overcome all adversaries tangible and intangible and make it to the Olympics,” ani Picson. CLYDE MARIANO
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