REUTERS reported that Brazilian police have arrested a 22-year-old boxer, the flag bearer for the Namibia national team, on suspicion of attempting to sexually assault a room maid in the Olympic Village. The boxer, competing in the light welterweight division, allegedly grabbed and tried to kiss her. He’s also suspected of offering the victim money to sleep with him.
Last week, the report added, a Moroccan boxer was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting two room maids at the Olympic Village.
Games organizers have confirmed the incidents.
* * *
It was, however, unclear whether or not the two boxers were allowed to continue competing in the Rio Games.
The scandal put a blackeye on the respective national contingents of the two suspected boxers.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Olympic boxing team would figure in a jarring disaster following the dismal defeat suffered by light flyweight Rogen Ladon, tagged as top medal bet for the Philippines in this year’s Olympic boxing competitions.
* * *
Let it be told straight and hard: Ladon’s unexpected early exit was both a shame and anomaly.
It was so horrible, the head of the Association of Boxing Alliances of the Philippines has offered to step down.
For one, it would readily occur that Ladon was totally unsure where he was or what he was doing during his bout.
* * *
“Ang sama ng laban ni Ladon, he just kept flailing, halihaw ang suntok,” rued veteran multi-awarded sports chronicler Al S. Mendoza. ” I didn’t see anything new or promising.”
Al also noted Ladon’s dismal condition, “kulang na kulang din sa hangin.”
“Whatever happened to their massive training in Roach’s Wild Card Gym and in Las Vegas?” Al wondered sternly.
* * *
Abap President Ricky Vargas, ever the true gentleman, wasted no time and offered to step down.
“Maybe time for a new leadership, partner. Time to go for me,” Vargas told broadcaster Ronnie Nathanielsz in a text message.
What a pity. Vargas has clearly delivered everything that the national boxing team had required and needed, mainly competitions and training abroad. Name it and Vargas would have it there the next day.
* * *
But what’s truly heartwarming is the manner Vargas has owned up to all the faults, including those of the coaches, the directors, and other team planners. Vargas did not let the bucket move an inch from where he sat, dejected.
Of course, Vargas’ principled stand could also prove disastrous to the national boxing program, if it doesn’t result to crucial changes in the Abap hierarchy.
Shouldn’t Vargas, for example, tell his directors, particularly the executive officer in charge, to get ready to step down (out of delicadeza)?
* * *
Vargas should not be the sacrificial lamb here.
He could turn the situation around by staying and working for a full-proof program, with the help of tested and competent programmers, experts, assistants and officers.
There should be a stop to on-job-training for directors, officials and vital people at the Abap.
This reporter is preparing a proposal to the Philippine Sports Commission that would ensure selection of talents and aspirants from the widest base possible—the slums, the grassroots, etc.—all over the country.