It’s not going to be easy for the Pambansang Kamao.
Boxing fans shared mixed reactions when news of Manny Pacquiao’s pursuit of a spot for the boxing team that will represent the Philippines in the Paris Olympics.
But no matter what the supporters and pundits think, it seems that the eight-division world champions foray into next year's Olympic Games is pushing through.
“I’m working on it,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino told One PH’s Power & Play on Saturday after being asked about Pacquiao's status.
In fact, Tolentino has already communicated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about the plans to have Pacquiao don the country’s flag.
“Doon sa isa kong meeting with IOC, I verbally laid down our cards. By October, we will formalize the request to the IOC, then it will be forwarded to the caretaker of boxing,” Tolentino explained.
Qualifying for the quadrennial sporting spectacle, however, is no easy feat. Despite Pacquiao’s accomplishments in the sport, he will have to go through the process.
It doesn’t help that he missed the ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, which also serves as a qualifying tournament for Paris. Pacquiao, 44, didn’t meet the Asiad’s 40 and below age requirement for competing athletes.
But all hope is not lost as the Paris organizers for boxing have nine spots up for grabs—four for men, and five for women. This is called the Universality Places, and Pacquiao can snag one of these seats.
He, however, will compete with the rest of the world.
“Sikuhan kayo ng 120 countries. Dadaan ‘yan sa mahabang process, tingnan natin,” said Tolentino.
The POC president, however, believes that Manny’s stature can help his case.
“If it will have IOC a shot in the arm for boxing, bakit hindi nila i-grant ‘yung request natin, ‘di ba?”
Filipino fans and pundits will be on the lookout on the development of Pacquiao’s Olympic bid.