Cojuangco wants POC control over elite athletes

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee is seeking control over national athletes gearing up for major international competitions like the SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.

Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, the POC president, said he has mentioned his plan to Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez although they have yet to discuss it seriously.

The PSC, according to Cojuangco, can focus on developing and strengthening the grassroots program around the country while the POC takes care of the elite athletes.

“Ang sabi ko kay Butch sya na mag-intindi sa grassroots at sa akin lang yung mga elite,” Cojuangco, who is seeking a fourth term as POC president in November, said yesterday.

Ramirez has yet to comment on Cojuangco’s proposal. But it is unlikely that he will yield it all because just recently he said he wants the PSC to play a bigger role in the athletes’ preparations.

The PSC under the Duterte administration wants a role bigger than just being the funding arm in sports.

Cojuangco said he has written the NSAs (national sports associations) that have athletes preparing for the 2017 SEA Games or 2018 Asian Games.

The POC chief said he wants the training of the athletes to these events to begin heavy training beginning in January next year.

“We will focus on the elite athletes and the PSC on grassroots,” said Cojuangco.

“I already insinuated na ang gusto ko na lamang (that what I want) is to be in charge of the preparation for international events,” said Cojuangco. 

He said the idea worked for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, whose training for the recent Rio Olympics was closely monitored by the POC, leading to her historic medal finish.