More Filipino athletes in the coming Asian Games would mean a bigger probability of winning medals.
Ten additional athletes from track and field, weightlifting and cycling have been endorsed by the Philippine Olympic Committee secretariat for accreditation to the continental event in Indonesia on Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.
But while they can bring home more medals following the country’s single-gold output in the 2014 Incheon Games, bowling world cup champion Krizziah Tabora and Fil-Am swimmer James Deiparine have begged off.
Tabora notified the Philippine Bowling Federation of her leave of absence due to a serious health problem that she did not specify.
“I have a serious health condition that involves treatment by a professional health care provider. It is so unfortunate that I am temporarily unable to represent our country in the Asian Games,” Tabora wrote PBF president Steve Robles.
“My maternal grandmother passed away due to Lymphoma Stage 4. In early 2014, my sister was diagnosed with low-grade malignant cancer of the ovaries and underwent total hysterectomy the same year,” added Tabora. “I hope this clears up any misunderstandings.”
Meanwhile, Deiparine, silver medalist in the Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur last year, announced his withdrawal due to a recurring knee injury. According to coach Reyna Suarez, doctors have advised Deiparine against competing for the injury to fully heal.
Their pullout brought down the number of athletes to the Games to 268, excluding the 10 additional athletes waiting for their accreditation.
Tracksters Anfernee Lopena, Janry Ubas, Clinton Clark Bautista, Francis Medina and Filipino-American Cristina Knot have been lobbied for inclusion as well as four lifters.