Peping eyes 2 gold in 2020 Olympics

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco said if the national athletes are only provided everything they need, he can guarantee the gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Not one but two.

“We need to give our athletes what they need,” said Cojuangco during a thanksgiving event hosted by TV5 for the Filipino bets to the recent Rio Olympics.

Cojuangco expects help from the private sector to continue but said if the government can provide the needed push the Philippines can finally win the elusive gold.

“That’s how critical it is. If the government can provide all the support, I guarantee you two gold medals in 2020,” said Cojuangco.

During the event graced by a handful of Pinoy bets to the Rio Games, the 82-year-old Cojuangco also said he is seeking a fourth term as POC president.

The POC will hold its elections on the last week of November. There were reports that a number of National Sports  Associations (NSAs) heads  were keen on tapping a new leadership and on top of the list of those being considered was Manny V. Pangilinan, the country’s No. 1 sports patron.

Pangilinan, whose MVP Sports Foundation is fully supporting close to a dozen sports, considered seeking the POC presidency four years ago but begged off at the last minute.

This allowed Cojuangco to run unopposed in 2012. This time, one of Pangilinan’s close allies said the latter is giving the POC presidency a second look.

But Cojuangco is all set to seek a fourth term – with or without a challenger.

“As long as I still find myself helpful I will be there,” said Cojuangco during the event also graced by TV5 president Chot Reyes and Rio Games silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz of weightlifting.

Other athletes present during the affair were swimmer Jessie Khing Lacuna, taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora and boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez.

International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski also came along with POC vice president Jose Romasanta and other sports officials.