NO boxing and weightlifting in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
If yes, as reports strongly indicate, we are doomed.
Dream no more of medals?
According to the presidents of both associations, both events had been removed in the 2028 Olympic program by no less than the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“We have seven years to appeal this initial decision,” said Monico Puentevella, the country’s weightlifting chief. “I’m optimistic that we can still save the situation.”
Both events had long been hounded by large scale corruption and doping scandals involving high-ranking officials.
Actually, the same nagging issues almost scrapped weightlifting and boxing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Only the collective appeal of many member-nations saved both events, triggering Hidilyn Diaz’s weightlifting gold and Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam’s silver and Eumir Marcial’s bronze in boxing.
In all probability, Diaz, now 30, will be retired by 2028. But this early, though, we are not lacking for her potential successors in the gold hunt, beginning in Paris three years from now.
Boxing only pushed through in Tokyo 2020 because the IOC took over the affairs of the Aiba (International Boxing Federation) and managed the events, banning longtime boxing officials from the venues.
“The Aiba has until 2023 to comply with IOC conditions,” said Ed Picson, the newly-minted boxing chief. “If they do, then there’s a chance boxing will be reinstated.”
But in a shocking move, the IOC has already replaced boxing, weightlifting and pentathlon with skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing in the LA Olympiad calendar.
And, unless the IOC makes a change of heart, doping-hit weightlifting will no longer be around in Paris 2024.
“This would be unfair if it happens,” Puentevella said. “The 1896 Olympics opened with weightlifting as one of the 12 events that year.”
Puentevella told the Inquirer’s June Navarro: “A few rats [in world weightlifting] shouldn’t be a reason to burn the whole house down.”
Picson said the IOC was still irked over reports of massive match-rigging incidents in the 2016 Rio Olympics, which independent probers, to their dismay, have found to be true.
“Reforms are in order and I hope the Aiba can make the necessary adjustments to appease the IOC,” said Picson. “Bottom line is, it’s the call of the IOC.”
Let’s pray and hope the gods of Mt. Olympus would intervene.
THAT’S IT Because the Philippine Basketball Association is entertainment, it has scheduled games on Christmas Day at the Cubao Big Dome. And so, even if it’s God’s birthday on December 25, players sacrifice if only to delight the fans. Merry Christmas!