Obiena gets POC backing for Hanoi, but competing still uncertain
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena has the full backing of the Philippine Olympic Committee with regards to his competing in the 31st Southeast Asian Games set in Hanoi this May.
This was the statement of POC President Bambol Tolentino in support of the World No. 5 pole vaulter, even if athletics NSA Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has ousted him from the national team pool.
"We included EJ and his team to be part of the SEA Games in Vietnam. Whether he was not endorsed by PATAFA, we endorse him. Remember, we have the last say," said Tolentino on Wednesday's episode of PlayitrightTV.
It can be recalled that Obiena and PATAFA are currently in a rift due to alleged mishandling of funds by Obiena earmarked for his Ukranian coach Vitaly Petrov.
The brouhaha has led to mediation attempts by the Philippine Sports Commission, and Senate hearings, among others.
"The only problem is... Makakalaro ba?" Tolentino said.
The sports official admitted that there will still be things to iron out for Obiena to be able to compete since his NSA has yet to endorse him.
"We're waiting for something before the May SEA Games if he will be allowed. Smooth sana kung both of us, PATAFA and NOC will both endorse," he said.
In 2019, Obiena copped gold in men's pole vault in the 30th SEA Games held in the Philippines.
He cleared what was then a new SEA Games record of 5.45m in the competition to take first place.
Since then, Obiena has already improved leaps and bounds from there with already a 5.91m and 5.93m personal bests in outdoor and indoor pole vault, respectively.
POC promised that they will be keeping Obiena funded, especially in his drive for the SEA Games.
However, it is still up in the air if he can compete with the rift in PATAFA still looming above his head.
"POC na will look for the funding for them to join SEA Games. The only question now is if we will be allowed to play. That's our biggest challenge," he said.
Also plauging Obiena right now is PATAFA's complaint over Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
But the POC has also pledged their support for the embattled pole vaulter.
The POC also previously declared PATAFA chief Philip Juico "persona non grata".
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