By Waylon Galvez
Just like other athletes affected by the cancelation of Olympic Qualifying Tournaments due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, six Filipino fencers are finding ways to stay in shape in case the event pushes through as they seek spots to the Tokyo Olympics in July.
In this file photo, Philippines’ Haniel Abella, left, and Singapore’s Abdul Rahman Kiria face off during the fencing individual epee finals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at the World Trade Center last year. (MB File Photo)
According to national fencing team coach Amat Canlas, organizers in South Korea have postponed the April Asian Fencing Championship which serves as the OQT for the region.
“What we know is last week of April or first week of May if they go on with it, although for now, we don’t know which country will host it. Almost all the OQTs in different continents are either postponed or canceled,” Canlas told the Bulletin.
Six Filipino fencers, led by Southeast Asian Games gold medalist in women’s saber event Jalyn Nicanor, have made it to the national team that will aim for Olympic spot.
Also part of the national team are Chris Jester Concepcion in men’s saber, Hanniel Abella and Noelito Jose in women’s and men’s epee, Nathaniel Perez and Samantha Catantan in men’s and women’s foil events.
Concepcion and Abella earned silver medals in their respective events in the previous SEA Games, while Jose settled for a bronze. The 18-year-old Catantan is the reigning Asian under-23 champion.
Although the country is on lockdown as the government is implementing an enhanced community quarantine to fight the spread of COVID-19, the six athletes are still training from their respective homes.
“Since all of us were asked to stay home and be safe, sa bahay na muna din sila nagte-training,” said Canlas. “Bawat isa binigyan namin ng kani-kaniyang programa para tuloy pa din ang training.”
Source: Manila Bulletin
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