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| photo (c) Philippine Star |
Friday, August 12, 2016
‘Diesel’ Marestella seeks Olympic atonement
Sunang said she’ll use her vast experience this time in order to do better against a 32-strong field bristling with more than a dozen reigning and former world and continental champions.
Source: Ted Melendres of Inquirer Sports
Hidilyn Diaz targets gold at 2020 Olympics
ANOTHER GO. Hidilyn Diaz plans a return to the Olympics when it goes to Tokyo. Photo by Jedwin M Llobrera/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Filipina Olympian Hidilyn Diaz just entered her name in the record books of Philippine sports history, thanks to her performance in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but she’s already aiming for even higher goals when the next summer games arrive in 2020.
Diaz, who won the silver medal in the women’s 53kg division of the weightlifting competition in Rio De Janeiro this past week, arrived in the Philippines on Emirates Flight 332 with fellow Olympian Nestor Colonia and coach Alfonsito Aldanete on Thursday, August 11, and told the media she has no plans of retiring.
“Parang ayaw ko na pong mag-retire,” said Diaz at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
(I don’t feel like retiring.)
“Kasi ngayon pa lang po nami-miss ko na ang pagbubuhat, so, Tokyo po,” she added, indicating her desire to join the next Olympiad 4 years from now in Japan. It would be the Zamboanga City native’s fourth Olympic stint.
(Because I already miss lifting now, so, Tokyo.)
Diaz, who will receive a P5-million check for her accomplishment in Brazil, said that finishing first is the goal next time around.
“Siguro hindi na ako papayag na silver lang. Gusto ko gold na. Tokyo, oo po. Siyempre, pipilitin ko,” she said.
“Kaya ko pa, kung susuportahan ako. With complete strength and conditioning, rehab, todo,” added the 25-year-old, who lifted a total of 200kg to win the silver.
(I guess I won’t settle for just silver. I want to win the gold. Tokyo, yes. Of course, I’ll push myself. I can still do it, if I’ll be supported.)
PROUD. Hidilyn Diaz shows her silver medal to the media. Photo by Mary Dela Serna/Rappler
Diaz’s medal was the first by a Philippine athlete in the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, where Onyok Velasco also finished second in the light flyweight division of the boxing event. The Philippines has yet to win a gold medal.
After the press conference, Diaz boarded a 7:45 pm flight to Davao City for a courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte at the presidential guesthouse in Panacan.
“Excited po ako, tapos, siyempre, honored na ipakita kay President Digong and medalya kong ito,”Diaz said about the upcoming meeting.
(I’m excited, and, of course, honored to show President Digong my medal.) – Rappler.com
Author: Naveen Ganglani of Rappler
Hidilyn Diaz gets additional P2M incentive from Duterte
MANILA, Philippines – Olympian Hidilyn Diaz has received an additional P2 million incentive from Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on top of the P5M she initially earned after winning the silver medal in the 53kg women’s division of the weightlifting event at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.
Diaz, who finished second in the competition this past week after lifting a total of 200kg, arrived in Manila on Thursday afternoon, August 12, and then flew at 7:45 pm to Duterte’s presidential guesthouse in Panacan, Davao.
It was there where Duterte, Diaz, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Butch Ramirez held a press conference in which the president announced that Diaz received an extra bonus.
“She got a 5 million price for winning and I just added another two million,” said the president.
Diaz, 25, received a check worth P5 million from Duterte in Davao thanks to the government’s Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act. Additionally, Diaz will also be awarded with a housing unit from8990 Holdings Inc - Deca Homes.
The Zamboanga native gave thanks during the press conference and stressed that, with what she was able to do, it’s possible for someone from the Philippines to win a medal at the Olympics.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sainyo, sa nag dasal, sumoporta at naniwala saakin. Nung last August 7, naiwagayway ko ang bandila nang Pilipinas sa Olympics,” said Diaz, who was the first Philippine athlete to win a medal at the Olympics since 1996.
(I want to give thanks to you all, to those who prayed, supported, and believed in me. Last August 7, I was able to wave the flag of the Philippines at the Olympics.)
“Naipkakita ko na kaya natin mga Pilipino manalo sa Olympics.”
(I was able to show that us Filipinos have the ability to win at the Olympics.)
Duterte, who won the presidency during the elections last May, also said that discipline mixed with support from the government can go a long way in international sports success.
“If we just put in the discipline in any field with… a little help from the national government and the budget, we’d be able to get some miracles and surprises along the way,” he said.
GREAT TIMES. Hidilyn Diaz (in red), seen here with her mom, has returned to the Philippines. Photo by Jedwin M Llobrera/Rappler
The president also shared that he was watching Diaz in action and was nervous when she had troubles before eventually gaining the country's first silver medal since Onyok Velasco in Atlanta.
“I was also watching her. I was really scared when she was struggling to pull the weights. When she was able to do it, I almost shouted.”
During her press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 earlier on Thursday, Diaz revealed that part of what she hopes to do with the incentives she’s received is buy land and put up a gym in her hometown where others can also get into weightlifting.
“Bibilhin ko muna yung lupa, tapos mag papatayo ako nang gym duon para sa weightlifting club,” she said.
(I’ll first buy the land, then I’ll put up a gym for the weightlifting club.)
The decision is something Duterte applauds, as he emphasized the importance to give focus on sports training away from Manila.
“Yes, I would agree with her plans, para yung iba naman na probinsya [may] attention (so that the other provinces get attention). And also to give focus to the sports. Maybe you’ll be able to harness good athletes.”
Duterte also took time out to crack jokes, saying that his message to the Philippine delegates before departing was “Wag kayo umuwi pag hindi kayo manalo.
(Don’t come home if you don’t win.)
“Joking,” the president then said. “Sabi ko (I said), ‘Do your best for the country. The honor is there, go for it. It would be a long quest, it would be a tedious one, but I said if you can bring some honor to your country, I’ll be happy.’” – Rappler.com
Author: Naveen Ganglani of Rappler
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
PH taekwondo Olympian Kirstie Alora faces 2008 gold medalist in first round
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Kirstie Elaine Alora, the country’s lone taekwondo bet in the Rio Olympics, can’t find a better coach than Roberto “Kitoy” Cruz.
The 26-year-old Alora is hoping to deliver a medal for the Philippines in the women’s +67 kg weight class, which gets going on August 20.
It’s not going to be easy.
Assisting her in this Olympic journey, which begins with an early clash with 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medalist Maria Espinoza of Mexico, is Cruz, the finest taekwondo athlete the Philippines has ever produced.
Cruz, now 43, represented the Philippines in various international competitions in the ‘90s, and delivered the medals no one else could.
As a finweight, Cruz won the gold in the SEA Games 6 straight times from 1991 to 2001, and had 3 silver and two bronze medals in the World Championships.
In the Asian Championships, Cruz won the bronze, silver and gold during a 5-year stretch starting in 1994. He also has two bronze medals from the World Cup.
Cruz said Alora has what it takes to win a medal at any stage. But again, nothing will come easy when you’re up against the world best.
“The pressure is there,” said Cruz.
“But as long as she gives her best and stays focused, then she has a chance,” the taekwondo guru said of Alora, a two-time bronze medalist it the Asian Games.
Cruz said Alora, who normally gives away an inch or two in height against her rivals, makes it up with a big heart.
“Likas na matapang (She’s pure heart),” said the coach.
The early clash with Espinoza, who also won the bronze in the 2012 London Olympics, should give Alora the early chance to prove her worth in the Olympic level.
“Basta laban lang (As long as we fight). Get through her (Espinoza) early on. That’s the mission anyway,” said Cruz.
Alora was back in the swing of things Monday after taking a needed restSunday when she ran a slight fever.
“I’m okay now. I just have to train today,” she said.
"She's fine," said Cruz. – Rappler.com
PH judoka Kodo Nakano defeated by Italian at Rio Olympics
Nakano is held down for 20 seconds to lose by ippon to Matteo Marconcini in the 81kg round of 64
MANILA, Philippines - Judoka Kodo Nakano found out less than a week ago that he'd be going to the 2016 Olympics. His stint in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil didn't last very long, however.
The 23-year-old Fil-Japanese competitor was defeated by Italy's Matteo Marconcini in the 81kg round of 64 on Tuesday, August 9. Marconcini, 26, held Nakano down for 20 seconds to secure w victory by ippon, or the judo equivalent of a knockout, in just 1:19.
Nakano, who is based in Japan with his Filipina mother, had represented the Philippines at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games but failed to medal. He entered the match with a world ranking of 133 while Marconcini is ranked 34.
With Nakano out, the Philippines now has 6 Olympians still to perform, including hurdler Eric Cray, long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, taekwondo jin Kirstie Alora, swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi and golfer Miguel Tabuena. –Rappler.com
Author: Ryan Songalia
Former Abap head Manny Lopez says PH boxers 'raw, ill-prepared' for Rio battle
MANILA Rep. Manny Lopez blamed the leadership of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (Abap) for the poor showing of a Philippine boxing team that got wiped out in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics.
Lopez, a former Abap president and now a congressman representing the first district of Manila, said Abap officials failed to prepare the boxers well for the Olympics, leading to the early exits of Charly Suarez and Rogen Ladon.
“It all boils down to leadership. If other people can do it, why can’t they?” Lopez, who was replaced by Ricky Vargas as Abap president in 2009, said in an interview with DZSR Sports Radio.
Lopez and his father, former Manila mayor Mel, produced three Olympic medalists during their almost two-decade watch at Abap - Leopoldo Serantes (bronze medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics) and brothers Roel (bronze in 1992 Games in Barcelona) and Onyok Velasco (silver, 1996 Olympics in Atlanta).
The current Abap leadership has not produced one medal in three Olympiads.
While he saluted Ladon and Suarez for their efforts, Lopez said the current Abap leadership didn't put the boxers in a position to succeed against the world's best fighters.
"Matagal na akong wala sa boxing pero ‘yung nakita kong laro ng ating manlalaro, huwag naman sana ikakasama ng ating mga kasamahan lalo na sa Abap, pero for me, they are a little bit raw for the Olympics," he said.
Ladon lost his first match to Colombian boxer Yurberjen Herney Martinez via unanimous decision, later admitting that pressure as well as a hamstring injury prevented him from giving his best.
“The general preparation was missing for a fact na nakita ko na ang nalalaman lang ng bata natin is jab, straight, jab, straight lang. Mahina ang resistensya niya, second round pa lang, hinihingal na si Rogen.”
As for Suarez, who bowed to European champion Joseph Cordina of Great Britain, Lopez said putting him in the lightweight division where he went up against taller fighters was not a sound decision.
“Hindi ko naman tinatanggal ‘yung kanyang kagalingan pero panahon pa namin ‘yan eh. You have to adopt to the sign of the times na kapag nakita mo na medyo malalaki na lahat ng kalaban, sana dun na tayo lumihis at huwag nating pilitin ‘yung sukat natin na kulang sa tangkad,” said Lopez.
Lopez said national coaches, most of them holdovers from his time, should not be blamed for the debacle.
“Nakakaawa po ‘yung mga coaches na natuturo natin. It’s the easiest way to escape from all responsibilities. Pero sino ba ang naglalagay ng coach diyan, di ba ‘yung leader din po? Hindi naman po sila pinilit ng mga coaches na manatili diyan. Dapat alam ng leader na may pagkukulang ang coach."
Lopez also felt the national team should have trained in Cuba, which has a proven track record in Olympic boxing, and not in the US during the run-up to the Rio Olympiad.
“Pinipilit ko sabihin sa kanila na ‘yan na ang tularan natin, ‘yung ginagawa ng mga Cubano. Hanggang ngayon, as much as you don’t want to admit it, the best way in amateur boxing is the Cuban way. Huwag na tayong magpumilit ng ibang sistema at tularan natin ‘yung talagang sanay na at may pruweba na manalo ng gintong medalya,” said Lopez.
“It does not take a rocket scientist to learn and follow the footsteps of someone who can attain and commit to us what we have been long desiring,” he added.
Source; Reuben Terrado of Spin.ph
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