GAB chairman says leagues can do away with bubble concept in 2021

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Abraham Mitra stated that leagues may no longer go with the bubble concept to hold their games on the condition that they implement strict health protocols.

During one of the sessions in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) where Mitra attended, he said that next year leagues may no longer consider the bubble but will be held accountable to the stakeholders specifically the teams, coaches, and players if anyone will get infected with the virus.

Also, Mitra stressed that the new developments in testing which can provide efficient and faster results can be used but admitted that risks will still be there.

“May technology na. ‘Yung antigen, nandiyan na mabilis ang resulta. Meron pa akong balita na RT-PCR test na 85 minutes na lang, lalabas na ang resulta, gold standard pa. Why ask the leagues to spend more money when there is new technology that will make it easier for everybody? Safer and easier,” Mitra said.

Furthermore, the promising results of the upcoming vaccines for COVID-19 will boost the chances of contact sports’ full comeback next year and will be a big key for the return of fans in the professional leagues.

Looking forward to the return of the country’s professional leagues such as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippines Football League (PFL), Mitra and the rest of his team are optimistic that the future of sports in 2021 will be bright.