PSC chair hails medal winners in Asian Indoor

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia yesterday hailed the Filipino athletes who won medals in the recent Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Championships in Incheon, South Korea.

But at the same time, he urged the athletes, particularly those in the priority list, to strive and work harder in training as they gear up for the coming SEA Games in Myanmar.

Gerald Jamili and Cherry Clarice Parcon bagged the gold medal in the Latin jive event in Incheon, and took the bronze in Latin five won by China.

Rubilen Amit won the other bronze for the Philippines in women’s 10-ball.

A total of 51 Filipinos competed in six events in Incheon, but struggled hard in the other events like chess, bowling, muay thai and swimming.

The PSC chief went to Incheon to personally watch the Filipino athletes compete. He took it as a gauge of where the country stands.

The Philippines wound up 19th in the medal standings (1-0-2) in Incheon while Vietnam and Thailand finished third and fourth with medal haul of 8-7-12 and 8-3-11.

Singapore was 13th with 2-0-3 while Indonesia was 14th with 1-3-4.

“From what I saw Thailand and Indonesia are of different class. Iba talaga. Naiwan na tayo (We’ve been left behind),” said Garcia.

The PSC chief said the country’s performance in Incheon should serve as a wake-up call not only for the athletes but officials as well.

“Before the SEA Games we need more dedication and sacrifices from our athletes. The athletes should focus on their training. Kailangan hindi pwedeng bahala na (No settling for less). They should sharpen up,” said Garcia.