Tokyo Olympics chief of mission Nonong Araneta tells NSAs to be realistic

By Nick Giongco

Chief of mission Nonong Araneta reminded leaders of various national sports associations (NSA) to be realistic in their assessment of making the Tokyo Olympics.

After consulting with eight NSAs, Araneta said the feedback from his initial one-on-one dialogue was “very good” as he raised the concern that public funds are going to be used to finance their respective programs.

Basketball (3×3), archery, canoe-kayak and wrestling were among the NSAs whose Olympic programs were discussed as Araneta is scheduled to hear the bulk this Monday.

The effects of the coronavirus was also tackled as several NSAs were forced to abandon plans for China and Korea.

“We wanted to know if a certain athlete really has a chance of qualifying,” said Araneta, noting that he will present to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez a summary of the NSAs’ prognosis in a report.

In their first meeting more than a month ago, the NSAs submitted the names of 50 athletes although 38 were deemed capable of making the Olympic grade.

Ramirez, meanwhile, advised all the athletes to keep on training and set aside talks of a possible cancellation of the Olympics owing to the fast-spreading virus.

“One thing that can fight off the infection is to stay fit, healthy and active,” said Ramirez. “I would just like to tell them to focus on their training.”

Source: Manila Bulletin