Asiad training behind schedule, says Garcia

MANILA, Philippines — With barely six months left before the 17th Asian Games, Philippine chef de mission Richie Garcia is getting impatient with the snail-paced preparation of the national athletes to the Sept. 19-Oct. 4 competition in Incheon, South Korea.

And he’s blaming the participating national sports associations (NSAs) for delaying the selection process for athletes who will undergo training. “I’m worried because of the slow preparations,” said Garcia, also chair of the Philippine Sports Commission, Monday.

“We’re behind schedule because the NSAs are trying to squeeze in athletes that I feel should not be there.”

Preparations should have started as early as February for the contingent that will compete in 29 of 36 Asiad sports.

“They (NSAs) know it, but they’re still forcing the inclusion of some athletes,”

Garcia fumed. He cited the case of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association.

“We’re ready to send anyone (for overseas training),” he said. “But if the NSA is not moving toward that direction, we cannot force them.”