SEAG losers should not worry — PSC

National Sports Associations (NSAs) that have delivered in past international competitions but failed in the recent Kuala Lumpur SEA Games need not worry regarding possible cuts on their budget by the Philippine Sports Commission for next year.

Chairman Carlos Tuason of the PSC recently said that with the help of Congress, now seriously looking into the affairs of Philippine sports, they will review the history of an NSA before deciding whether or not it still deserves full funding from the government.

"Congress is very serious about prioritizing sports where we really have a chance of winning. So, we will review the history of these NSAs then maybe add to some and reduce the others," said Tuason as he looked forward to next year’s Asian Games in Pusan, Korea.

A perfect example would be boxing, which has delivered in major competitions like the Olympics through Leopoldo Serrantes (bronze in Seoul, Korea in 1988), Roel Velasco (bronze in Barcelona in 1992) and Mansueto Velasco (silver in Atlanta in 1996).

Therefore, its failure in Kuala Lumpur, where our boxers settled for two silver and five bronze medals, does not mean that boxing should now be considered as a "non-performing NSA" for the simple reason that it has delivered in the past.

"In the case of boxing, Congress understands the problem because Congressman Monico Puentevella (chairman of the House Committee on Youth and Sports) was there in Kuala Lumpur. And he saw what happened to our boxers," said Tuason.

The PSC chief then mentioned the importance of sports leaders establishing strong links with the international federations they represent, particularly those in subjective sports like boxing, wushu, taekwondo, judo and karate-do.

"It was also their (Congress) recommendation for our NSA leaders to make an effort that they will be able to become members of these international federations. Because if you’re not, then you might remain in the losing end. Sad to say, but that’s life," he said.