Karatekas eye QC complex for SEAG training

Members of the national karatedo team have reportedly sought the help of Quezon City Mayor Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte for the possible use of the Amoranto Sports Complex as training venue in case they push through with their plan to move out of the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.

The karatekas, led by Brunei SEA Games bronze medalist Junnel Perana, are up in arms following a recent order by the Philippine Sports Commission banning Philippine Karatedo Federation president Eduardo Ponce and coach Clodualdo Alpapara from entering the Philsports premises.

The ban was issued by the PSC last July 11 as the PKF president, along with Alpapara, is being investigated for alleged violation of the government sports agency’s financial policies. The Philsports Complex, being used by the karatekas training for the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games, is under PSC management.

Ponce, however, said the 38 athletes under his wings will not leave the Pasig venue if the ban is lifted. "That would be okay because all I want is to keep the athletes’ morale high going into the SEA Games," said Ponce.