Araneta pushes for nat’l athletes’ return to practice

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

The Ilonggo chef de mission of the Philippines is doing all that he can so national athletes can resume their training in preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Mariano “Nonong” Araneta spoke a lot about the Philippines’ preparations for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic but stressed on one specific topic.

In a Facebook live session by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Araneta said that all things would fall into place if the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases will allow the national athletes to resume their training.

When asked if he thinks the Tokyo Olympics preparations are now in “cramming” stage, the amiable Ilonggo answered yes.

“Somehow yes, this is already cramming because looking into it, our competitors in the other countries are already starting their practices. Dito wala pa. If they allow professional leagues to resume, yung national athletes din sana natin.”

As of now, Araneta and his team are doing the necessary steps to have their request granted and push for the development of the national athletes heading into the prestigious Tokyo Olympics.

He also encouraged all the national athletes that as long as the final decision is not yet issued, they have to continue with their personal training to keep themselves ready for the Olympics.