TOKYO Olympics-bound Irish Magno and world champion Nesthy Petecio on Thursday underwent swab testing as they hope to resume training at the boxing gym of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Commissioner Ramon Fernandez was also tested with his wife Karla as both came from now Covid-19 epicenter Cebu City. Fernandez was named OIC of the PSC in lieu of chairman-on leave William Ramirez.
“We will comply with the standard procedures to ensure that we are helping in curbing the spread of the virus,” Fernandez said.
The tests were conducted at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. Ten other boxers (six male and four female) and Coach Reynaldo Galido were also tested. They all came from the PSC’s Baguio City training facility at the Teachers Camp.
Fernandez said athletes in fencing and para athletes in athletics, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, table tennis and chess also underwent swab tests. They will also be quarantined for 14 days.
The PSC OIC said the athletes would be strictly confined to their rooms.
“They will be provided with food, shelter and necessary assistance from PSC staff because they will not be allowed to go out of their assigned rooms—until the results of their swab tests become available,” PhilSports dormitory manager Roselle Destura said.
Ramirez is on leave until July 17 to attend to her wife Mercy who recently underwent surgery. It marked the first time he went on leave for about two weeks since he was named chairman in 2016.
Fernandez said that as OIC, he would prioritize the reopening of training facilities, specially the boxing gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The PSC’s Manila and Pasig City complexes were shut down as they served as quarantine facilities during the pandemic.
Fernandez is concerned with Magno and fellow Tokyo Games-bound boxer Eumir Felix Marcial, who trained individually while the lockdown was imposed. The other Tokyo qualifiers—pole vaulter EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo are training in Italy and Japan, respectively.
“It would be best for us if we really get back to training. It’s a big help for us,” Petecio said.
National boxing coach Roel Velasco, a bronze medalist in the Barcelona 1992 Olympics, concurred with Fernandez and the boxers need to return to full training.
“It’s what they need. Good thing the PSC would work for the reopening of the gym,” Velasco said.
Fernandez said they will abide by health protocols if the boxing gym reopens.
“We want Eumir, Nesthy, Irish and the other boxers to resume training,” he said. “But it should be done individually. Sparring is not allowed yet.” Ramon Rafael Bonilla