GAB chair Mitra keeps fingers crossed

CEBU, Philippines —  Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Abraham Kahlil ‘Baham’ Mitra looks forward to a constructive meeting with the Technical Working Group of the Anti-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Thursday, July 2, to discuss about the possibility of restarting pro sports in the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“We look up to them for guidance and direction as they are the authority specially at this time of crisis po,” said Mitra as he keeps his fingers crossed while bracing for the crucial meeting.

Earlier this month, the GAB submitted its “Proposed Framework for the Resumption of Professional Sports in the Philippines in Anticipation to the New Normal” to the IATF’s Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Mitra explained that the document they forwarded to the IATF has been carefully drafted by GAB and other professional sports bodies such as Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Philippine Football Federation (PFF), among others, in order to ensure the safe return of sporting and amusement events that has been halted for several months now because of the global health crisis.

He added that their proposal shall also serve as IATF’s guide in assessing all the risk factors and the earliest but most reasonable time for the resumption of pro sports and amusements games that include boxing, muay thai, MMA, motocross,triathlon, horse racing while putting into consideration the socioeconomic impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the lives of Filipino pro athletes and other GAB licensees.

“We are in close coordination with the different professional sports bodies. PFF submitted its operational protocols last week, while PBA submitted its own health and safety guidelines last Friday. PFF is proposing to adopt a “No spectators rule and to shorten football conferences,” said Mitra.

Boxing and contact sports division chief Dr. Jesuscito Garcia , for his part, has proposed a closed-door set-up for boxing, MMA and Muay thai events.

Mitra is hoping to get a favorable response on their restart proposal under strict health and safety protocols so athletes could be given the chance to continue making a living for their families.

“This initiative is also being done by other industries. We are hoping that DOH and IATF will consider our proposal and the health and safety protocols incLuded therein, in order to help our professional athletes and their families survive this trying time in our nation’s history,” Mitra appealed.