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The PSC is hopeful that the Tokyo Olympics will move forward amid the pandemic
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) – January 3, 2021 – 1:24 p.m.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expects the delayed Tokyo Olympics to go ahead this year.
This having recognized that many countries, including ours, are already immersed in the preparations for the quadrennial meeting.
With a pencil to be held from July 23 to August 8, more than a year from its original date, citizens of Japan still express doubts about the safety of holding the event amid the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic .
PSC commissioner Ramón Fernández said the Philippine sports body understood where the concerns were coming from, but is still waiting for a favorable decision as the Games approach.
“It is quite understandable that they are wary of the pandemic even at the time when the Olympic Games begin … But on our part, Naman, and some other countries, we are in full preparation,” Fernández said in Power & Play of Noli Eala el Saturday. .
“That is why our bubble training will begin this week, the first week of January, to really prepare for the Tokyo Olympics,” he added.
The International Olympic Committee made an unprecedented decision last year to postpone the Summer Games for the first time since World War II with COVID-19 wreaking havoc around the world.
And although a vaccine has already been developed, Fernández admits that the health crisis, especially with a new strain of the virus, should not be underestimated.
The sports official, however, remains optimistic.
“We hope, of course, that it really gets over it. But then again, we are again facing what you might see as the second wave of the virus … That will pose another problem,” Fernandez said.
As of now, four Filipinos have officially qualified for the Tokyo Olympics: pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and pugs Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno.
Judoka Kiyomi Watanabe is also close to clinching a spot in the quadrennial games.
Rio 2016 Olympic Games silver medalist Hidilyn Díaz, SEA Games gold medalist Margielyn Didal, and Asian Games gold medalist Yuka Saso are also among those seeking a ticket to the Olympics.
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