PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman Noli Eala yesterday committed to support the national boxing team in its quest for slots in the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying the agency will bankroll the boxers’ training and international exposure next year.
Eala issued the commitment as he welcomed 2022 ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championship gold medalist Carlo Paalam, and bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Hergie Bacyadan at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“We are in full support of our national boxers all the way to the Paris Olympics. We’ve already discussed the plans with ABAP President Ed Picson, as to how we can level up the support and programs for our elite athletes,” Eala said as he congratulated the three boxers coming off their successful stint in Amman, Jordan.
Eala said the PSC will “look into the possibility of building a team composed of coaches and sports science experts” for the boxers, like what the agency created for Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Picson, who joined the three boxers and Secretary General Marcus Jarwin Manalo in calling on Eala, said the national boxing squad will take an early holiday break but will resume its intensive training on Dec. 4.
“Our boxers have a nice facility in Baguio, which we thank the PSC for. We are making that sacrifice now, in the lead-up to tournaments as early as February next year, prior to the Cambodia SEA Games, and eventually to Paris,” Picson said.
“Lahat ng sakripisyo na ginagawa namin, katulad po ng preparations namin noon para sa Tokyo Olympics, ay gagawin ulit namin ngayon. Lahat ng ito ay para sa bayan,” said Petecio, an Olympic silver medalist.
Eala encouraged Paalam, Petecio and Bacyadan to remain motivated in their quest for Olympic gold.
“Kahit na nandon na kayo sa taas ng tagumpay, huwag kayong bibitaw. Ganun pa rin ang level ng gutom and motivation na manalo. Ang panalo n’yo ay panalo ng buong bayan,” he told them.
