Gold medalist Caluag gets OSM nomination

INCHEON Asian Games gold medalist Daniel Caluag has been nominated by the Philippine Olympic Committee to the Olympic Solidarity Movement scholarship program of the International Olympic Committee.

POC first vice president Joey Romasanta said the inclusion of Caluag in the Olympic program will enhance his chances for a return to the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Romasanta said Caluag, the only Asian qualifier in cycling’s BMX event of the 2012 London Olym-pics, will join the second batch of aspirants in January.

Twelve other Filipino athletes, led by boxer Eumir Felix Marcial and taekwondo jins John Paul Lizardo and Kirstie Elaine Alora, have earlier been accepted in the OSM and now receive a monthly stipend of $500 for their training until the start of the 2016 Games.

“Daniel really deserves to be in that list. He’s a strong contender for a medal in Rio,” said cycling chief and Cavite Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Part of the athlete-nominee’s training and foreign exposure will be also shouldered by the IOC.