Go Teng Kok hits Angping on SEAG forecast

MANILA, Philippines - Athletics chief Go Teng Kok yesterday defended his athletes from what he termed as the Philippine Sports Commission’s “baseless analysis” of their current status almost five months away from the Laos SEA Games.

Go took potshots at PSC chairman Harry Angping for saying that based on statistics, the performance of some members of the RP track team has deteriorated and therefore they should not be included in the RP delegation for the SEA Games in December.

“We are training our athletes for December. So it’s not proper for them to peak in June or July. I see them peaking by November. Mr. Angping should have talked to us first before issuing those observations so he could have had a better understanding,” said Go.

Angping said the Philippines may be in for its worst performance in the SEA Games, probably even lower than the sixth-place finish it had in 2007 in Thailand following its successful hosting of the 2003 edition when it emerged the overall champion.

Angping said based on statistics, the Philippines can win only 15 to 20 golds in Laos.

“In athletics alone, we can win at least seven gold medals. And I can assure this that with swimming and billiards we can win 20 gold medals. Mr. Angping’s statements can demoralize our athletes but I assure him we can surpass 20 gold medals,” said Go.

The athletics chief yesterday attended a meeting among the 25 NSAs (national sports associations) that will represent the country in Laos, and what turned out to be the highlight of the meeting, presided by Philippine Olympic Committee head Jose Cojuangco, was a call for Angping’s ouster.

“Mrs. (Celia) Kiram, the secretary-general of pencak silat, offered to lead a rally to Malacañang to call for Angping’s ouster. And majority of the NSAs that were present supported the idea. Mr. Angping has abused his powers. He wants to do the job of NSA heads,” said Go.       – Abac Cordero