THE Philippine Olympic Committee thanked the world and continental governing bodies for tennis for allowing Filipino athletes to compete in the Vietnam Southeast Asian Games despite the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta).
“The POC is extending its gratitude to the ITF (International Tennis Federation) and ATF (Asian Tennis Federation) for allowing our players to see action in the SEA Games,” said POC President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who was informed of the two bodies’ approval to let Filipino players compete in Hanoi over the weekend.
The ITF suspended the Philta for two years for its failure to elect members of its board who are truly representative of the entire country. The POC followed suit and also suspended the national sports association.
ATF Executive Director Manpreet Kandhari, according to Tolentino, relayed the confirmation that both the POC and organizers of the SEA Games received.
