POC Chief: We will surpass Tokyo haul

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino oozed with confidence as he talked about Team Philippines’ golden quest in the Paris Olympics.

For Tolentino, the 22 gallant men and women – more confident and better equipped than the previous batch in Tokyo that produced a bountiful harvest of one gold, two silvers and one bronze – are very much capable of shining in the “City of Light.”

“Definitely we will deliver. Definitely we will surpass (the output in) Tokyo,” Tolentino said at yesterday’s PSA Forum.

“More than one gold. Bahala na kayo kung two, three or four golds, basta malalagpasan natin ‘yung sa Tokyo,” he added.

The feat in the pandemic-delayed Games in Japan led by the historic triumph of weightlifting titan Hidilyn Diaz was achieved despite less than ideal circumstances.

With things a lot better and the pandemic over, the POC, other sports bodies plus the private sector have made sure to build on the gains from this best-ever Olympic campaign.

For the first time, the Philippine Olympic team has enjoyed the benefit of holding a training camp in France a month before the conclave. Almost all of the 22 bets are spending the final phase of preparations in Metz, France.

“We’re all excited. Iba nang level ito, training camp, iba na mood ng athletes. Talagang level up lahat,” said Tolentino. “Even the support, iba na support. With that, I would like to thank of course the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission) sa support sa atleta sa training camp and other private businesses and sports partners Cignal and MVP Sports Foundation.”

Tolentino gave special thanks to the Office of the President, which through chef the mission Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, released additional allowances to the athletes and coaches for the pre-Olympics camp in Metz amounting to 100 Euros per day.

“It’s a big help for all the athletes and coaches and officials there in Metz, hindi na sila mag-aalala sa financial matters during training,” he said.