A five-man Philippine national athletics’ squad is set to compete in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan without top Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.
Obiena, who recently won his third gold medal for the year in the Orlen Cup in Poland, won’t be able to bring in his poles as the reason for his absence.
“I am truly heartbroken to share this news. I shall be unable to participate in the upcoming Asian Indoor Championships next week in Kazakhstan. I won’t be able to bring glory to my country. I am not injured or sick. I am physically and mentally ready to go. To compete. To fight for gold for The Philippines,” said Obiena in a Facebook message to supporters.
Obiena, who cleared 5.87 meters on his second attempt to win the Orlen Cup gold on Thursday, said a day before competitions in Astana are set to begin, that he tried to work things out with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and with his mentor James Lafferty.
Things did not work out for Obiena in his failed trip to Astana because no airline would transport such equipment and Lafferty’s connection could not do it because of the 17-hour drive to the venue.
“Most Asian pole vaulters I know have pulled out for the same reason. It’s a sad state when the best vaulters in Asia are excluded from competing in the biggest indoor championships in Asia.
The second issue is continuing financial issues,” said Obiena as he complained of his unpaid financial dues with the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Despite all the issues of the past supposedly being resolved, my team has not been paid now in over a year. Payments are caught up in red tape. Unfortunately, some of my team are now threatening to leave Team Obiena. I cannot blame them. Who could work free for over a year? They have families to support and bills to pay,” wrote Obiena.
So far, Obiena’s complaints have reached PSC chairman Richard Bachmann.
“I immediately communicated with him (Obiena) and made internal actions in the PSC. I also received communication on this matter from the PATAFA and will continue to speed things up to help their national sports association and Mr. Obiena. We continue to give the best support we can to our elite athletes,” said Bachmann in a statement.
Southeast Asian Games medallists Eric Cray (60m), Janry Ubas (Long Jump, Heptathlon), Sarah Dequinan (Pentathlon), Harry Diones (Triple Jump), Leonard Grospe (High Jump) are among those who will see action, according to PATAFA Secretary General Edward Kho, who is in Kazakhstan.
John Cabang Tolentino, a Fil-Spanish prospect, was included in the delegation and came on his own to compete in the 110-meter hurdles.
Tolentino got a self-funded ticket to join the national squad after his performance in the Weekly Relays.
A personal best in the 110m hurdles of 13.74 seconds and in the 60m hurdles at 7.97 seconds made Tolentino a candidate for the national team to the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia.