DFA: Asian Grand Prix bets assured of RP visas

The Department of Foreign Affairs extended a big helping hand in the PCSO-PSC Asian Grand Prix by assuring the granting of Philippine visas to all 120-plus athletes thus, guaranteeing a highly competitive field in the third leg of the prestigious event on May 26 at the Rizal Memorial track oval.

This was announced by Go Teng Kok of the organizing Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association who yesterday flashed the green light on the country’s hosting of the final stop of the 2002 Asian Grand Prix in the country.

"All set and ready to go. In behalf of PATAFA, I would like to express gratitude to DFA Secretary Teofisto Guingona and Assistant Secretary Belen Anola whose office tirelessly worked to assure the participation of some of Asia’s best trackster from 21 countries," said Go.

PATAFA sought the assistance of the DFA after it was reported that a great number of the participants in the ongoing three-leg series have yet to secure Philippine visas. The first leg was held in India on May 18 where Eduardo Buenavista finished a fighting second in the 3,000 m run.

With some 35,000 in attendance, Buenavista gave a good measure of himself in the event where he was not supposed to win since his concentration is in the 3,000 steeplechase and the 5,000 meters for the coming Asian Games in Busan, Korea.

But still, Buenavista persisted and showed he is peaking right for the Asian Games.

"We’re hoping for the best in the second leg on today, in Bangkok, Thailand. But Buenavista told me in via a long distance call that he’s more inclined to go all-out before Filipino fans on May 26 at the Rizal Memorial track oval."

The DFA, Go added, agreed to facilitate the granting of Philippine visas "right there in Bangkok" which is welcomed by the participating countries China, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Krygystan, Qatar, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Chinese-Taipei, Oman, Iran, Syria, and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The third leg of the series of the Asian Grand Prix had already hurdled funding problems through the support of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and Philippine Sports Commission.