Asiad like a Masters debut for POC?s Vargas
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 08 Apr 2018
Ricky Vargas.
WERE our national athletes underfed or poorly prepared during the lengthy failed reign of Peping Cojuangco as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee?
Only the athletes themselves can provide the answer, although the intriguing rush to get ready and catch the bus to this year?s Asian Games in Indonesia should also help trace how, where and why top national sports leaders, previously headed by Cojuangco, have missed and faltered.
The forthcoming Asiad could also provide rare moments to shine and make up for the dismal national delegation performance in Incheon four years ago.
**
It?s a tough task but, for starters, the Philippine Sports Commission has ordered a 24-hour feeding service for all national athletes.
Add to that the fact that PSC Chairman William Ramirez has spearheaded massive preparations, while new POC Chairman Bambol Tolentino hammered hard to harness the support of all national sports associations , no matter how late.
Ramirez was overheard as warning the Asiad clock is ticking fast. It?s indeed a lot closer than we think.
**
All eyes will be on new POC President Ricky Vargas who has been caught in a tricky and testy situation, though no fault of his own.
For Vargas, it would be like appearing in his first Masters tournament, with no solid idea of what?s waiting out there.
He can?t be expected to readily produce wonders but, at the same time, Vargas cannot afford to go bogey-bogey and fumble in his opening round.
**
There are daunting obstacles, but there are also bright possibilities, like in athletics.
Vargas may have to turn to his boxers, he happens to head the Alliances of Boxing Associations of the Philippines (ABAP), which returned without a single gold from the last Asiad.
The boxers have been holed up in Baguio, working day and night.
**
It will all depend on how coaches and trainers will utilize the remaining short period to upgrade and be ready against tested warriors, mainly from the former Soviet states like Kazakhstan and Uzbekishtan.
In the last Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the boxing team played silly and flat, with its lone entry, Rogen Ladon, freezing and bombing out in his first round assignment.
There?s nothing clear on what steps have been taken, although a lead member of the national coaching staff said they plan to venture into more foreign tournaments to toughen up for the Asiad.
**
Of course, Vargas has also been quoted as saying the main goal of his fresh tenure in the POC is to win the Philippines first Olympic gold medal.
It?s truly a noble goal but Vargas must be reminded that winning the first Olympic gold medal for the country can?t be a cure at all.
Now is the time to overhaul and change a prior system that had been mired in mediocrity, no thanks to neglect, misdirection, greed and selfishness of those who used their office as a ticket for family excursions to the Olympics and various other foreign tournaments.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
Fri, 31 Oct 2025