POC to appeal inclusion of women’s weightlifting, boxing

The Philippine Olympic Committee remains hopeful that women’s weightlifting and boxing will still be included in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur.

POC secretary general Steve Hontiveros said an appeal looks like an exercise in futility but they will lobby for the events’ inclusion just the same.

The SEA Games on Aug. 19 to 31 will feature 38 sports and 405 events.

“We will do our best to have them included, but there are no guarantees,” said Hontiveros, who attended the SEA Games Federation meeting in KL last year, together with POC treasurer Julian Camacho, when the total number of sports in the 11-nation meet was finalized.
Hontiveros said it would help if the Philippine Weightlifting Association and Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines could discuss the possibility with their Malaysian counterparts.

“The weightlifting and boxing associations in Malaysia could make endorsements,” said Hontiveros.

Light fly Josie Gabuco is the reigning champion since winning in the 2009 Laos meet.