Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco’s bold prediction that the Philippines will win two gold medals in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics reverberated in the four corners of Resorts World Manila last week.
The POC president pronouncement was contained in his speech before the national athletes and media who attended the Rio de Janeiro Olympics thanksgiving party hosted by Sports5, now headed by former national mentor Chot Reyes.
However, Cojuangco said this will only happen if the government, aside from the private sector, would give our national athletes all the support they need.
The POC president said if the government can provide the logistics, the country will finally win the elusive gold medal.
During the event, the 82-year-old Cojuangco also announced that he is seeking another term as POC president in the November elections with or without opposition.
However, there are also reports that some national sports associations (NSAs) are pushing sports philanthropist Manny V. Pangilinan for the position.
This columnist also asked POC vice president Joey Romansanta where the two golds will come from. His answer: Either from boxing, taekwondo or karate.
The POC vice president said karatedos are now winning medals in the Asian tournaments, a good measurement of our chances in the Olympic level.
Good news for the PBA fans who want to see their idols strutting their wares in the flesh.
PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa said he is planning to cut down on ticket prices next season.
Narvasa explained the PBA Board of Governors asked him to make a feasibility study on the proposal.
The commissioner said it’s high time to make the ticket prices affordable to the masa (public).
Narvasa said the move is based on their observation that more families prefer to watch or root for their teams live in the venue.
“It’s like a bonding for the whole family specially on weekends. Although members of the family may be rooting for different teams,” Narvasa said.