Threat of PH flag ban in Paris Olympics lifted

The country’s flag will be raised by Team Philippines in the Paris Olympics. —PHOTOS BY AFP, REUTERS/Marlo Cueto/Art

After some weeks of anxious waiting, the Philippine flag can flutter mightily proud in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) has lifted the threat of suspension of the country after the Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (Phi-Nado) complied with the mandatory requirements, giving Filipinos the green light to wear the PH flag in the Summer Games later this year.

Wada chief compliance manager Emiliano Simonelli relayed the welcome news to Phi-Nado head Alejandro Pineda through email, giving the national sports community a sigh of relief.

READ: Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas qualify for Paris Olympics boxing

“I am pleased to confirm that in light of the latest developments, the Compliance Review Committee has decided to sign off the remaining pending critical corrective actions relating to testing and results management,’’ said Simonelli.

The Wada placed the Philippines under the threat of suspension last month from international competitions for the country’s noncompliance of the Wada Code with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.

The Phi-Nado was asked to address the outstanding nonconformities identified in the Wada Code Compliance Questionnaire or face the impending ban where Filipino athletes won’t be able to carry the national flag in the French capital in the world’s biggest sports meet.

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Noncompliance with the Montreal-based global doping agency will likewise prohibit the Philippines from hosting any regional, continental and world championship meets.

Phi-Nado’s compliance affirmed that the nation’s Olympic qualifiers—EJ Obiena of pole vault, gymnasts Aleah Finnegan and Carlos Yulo and boxers Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas—can wear their uniforms with the Philippine flag on it.

“We would like to thank Wada for all the support to resolve all issues,’’ said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Richard Bachmann, emphasizing the advocacy in building a sporting venue free from any doping activities.

“The PSC in coordination with Phi-Nado will continue to make improvements and propose the proper legislation in compliance with the Wada Code to avoid future issues.’’