POC remains upbeat over Gilas appeal at Asian Games

Gilas Pilipinas’ Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

HANGZHOU, China—Hope springs eternal for the inclusion of four key players to the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the 19th Asian Games.

Though time is quickly running short, no amount of hindrance could stop Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino from inserting Jason Perkins, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva and Moala Tautuaa into the men’s basketball lineup.

“We will push it a thousand times. It’s not yet over. Every time they deny, we will appeal,” said Tolentino.

The POC chief has been strongly lobbying for these PBA stars to beef up the medal bid of Gilas, nearly two weeks after Manila cohosted the Fiba (International Basketball Federation) World Cup.

Tolentino is hoping to convince the organizers on agreeing to the change before the team begins its campaign against Bahrain on Tuesday.

The Philippine flag was raised at the athletes village on Thursday, officially kicking off the country’s campaign in the Games ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Centre Stadium.

“After the flag-raising, that’s the start of the warm hosting and showcasing of Hangzhou for the Asian Games,” said Tolentino.

“We are praying for a fair competition. There should be no politics; sports unite people,’’ he added.