Philippines bets mindset: Tokyo is a go

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino athletes, including those who are already qualified and those who are still hoping to catch an Olympic berth, are enduring the grind in training with a mindset that the Tokyo Games is a go.

And all are intent on pushing themselves harder as they welcomed pronouncement by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach that there’s “no reason whatsoever” for them not to go ahead on July as scheduled.

“This is why there is no plan B,” Bach told Japan’s Kyodo news agency.

Meanwhile, Tokyo dismissed a report claiming officials see cancelling the Tokyo Olympics as inevitable, as Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said he was “determined” to hold the Games.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez rejoiced with the Filipino athletes.

“I’m happy for the athletes that the IOC speaks with finality,” said Ramirez.

“I’m happy that that there will be an Olympics,” said Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio, the 2019 world women’s champion who is among the athletes training at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Petecio is among those hoping to add to the list of Tokyo-bound Phl bets, including gymnast Caloy Yulo, pole-vaulter EJ Obiena and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno.

Deputy government spokesman Manabu Sakai said there was “no truth” to the report in The Times, which quoted an unnamed ruling coalition source as saying “the consensus is that it’s too difficult” to hold the Games.

“I am determined to realize a safe and secure Tokyo Games as proof that mankind will have overcome the virus,” Suga insisted on Friday.

Games organizers also said they were “fully focused on hosting the Games this summer.”

“At some point in time, we will naturally make a decision as to whether to actually hold it,” he said.

“Until then the Japanese government will do what it needs to do and make progress and prepare for it.”

Concerns have risen as Japan battles a third wave of virus infections, with polls showing around 80 percent of Japanese oppose hosting the event this year.

Filipino bets are raring to go and chase the elusive first Olympic gold for the country.

Last year, Obiena, who has been in Italy since last year, revealed he felt depressed after the quadrennial summer event was postponed.

Same with 2016 Rio weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, who’s been in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia since the lockdown.

But despite IOC’s reassurance, Ramirez said it would still be up to Japan to make the final decision.

“Let’s wait for the Tokyo Olympics committee and the Japanese government who has the final say inside their own country,” said Ramirez.

The PSC chief, however, stressed the national team is ready for any scenario.

“Philippine sports are prepared for the realization of these international sports competitions, but again, the ultimate consideration of all is the lives of our athletes,” he said.