POOLED REPORT
INCHEON, Korea—Filipino boxers would fight the rest of the 17th Asian Games on borrowed uniforms.
Coach Nolito Velasco decided not to take risks on their uniforms which were emblazoned with their corporate sponsors after he was reprimanded by Asiad boxing officials at the start of the boxing competitions on Tuesday.
“Mahirap sumugal, manghihiram na lang kami sa organizers,” said Velasco, elder brother of 1996 Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Mansueto ‘Onyok’ and 1992 Barcelona Olympics bronze medalist Rhoel, who also serves as his assistant coach to the eight boxing entries here.
The elder Velasco tried to mask the sponsor’s logo off the uniforms on Wednesday with ink, but decided to borrow uniforms for his boxers, instead, than risk possible sanctions.
The only downside to the borrowed uniforms, according to Velasco, is the stench. Other countries with problems identical to the Philippine team also scrounge for uniforms from the organizers.
“Medyo may amoy na nga coach,” quipped lightflyweight Mark Anthony Barriga. But Velasco sent his men and two women to persevere in winning the medals that would complement the two silvers and one bronze earlier won by the wushu artists than focus on the borrowed jerseys.
Velasco said ABAP (Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines) Executive Director Ed Picson is planning to source locally-manufactured uniforms for them.
“Sana umabot sa tournament, pero mahirap na din makakita dito na walang logo e,” Velasco said.
