DESPITE the current lockdown in Tokyo, Japan and its neighboring areas, 18 countries, including the Philippines, have been allowed to travel and compete in the Asia-Oceania Olympic rowing qualifying tournament set May 5 to 7 at the Sea Forest Waterway overlooking Tokyo Bay in the Japanese capital.
Rowers Cris Nievarez, Roque Abala Jr., Zuriel Sumintac, Melcah Jane Caballero, Joanie del Gaco and national coach Edgar Maerina are set to leave tomorrow to take part in the three-day regatta that will be held at the same venue for the Olympics, according to rowing secretary general Gercyl Lerin.
They will compete against top rowers from Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Chinese-Taipei, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
“Akala nga namin hindi matutuloy because of the lockdown in Tokyo. Pero magiging stringent talaga yong health and safety protocols,” said the Philippine Rowing Association secretary general, who attended the webinar last Wednesday of the conditions to expect in Tokyo.
