OFFICIALS of the Philippine Olympic Committee are asking gymnastics’ officials to let top bet Carlos Yulo see action in the coming 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The 23-year-old Yulo, who bagged two golds and two silver medals in the recent 32nd Southeast Asian Games, plans to skip the Asiad to compete in the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium in September.
Yulo seeks to earn points and qualify early for the 2024 Paris Olympics with his presence in the Belgium meet.
But POC president and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino believes that it would be better for Yulo to be in the Asiad to contribute to the Philippines’ medal efforts and earn points for the Olympic qualifiers while in China.
“Marami pang qualifiers aside from Belgium. Makukuha niya iyung medal sa Asian Games, may incentives na at may points din naman na makukuha duon,” said Tolentino.
The Hangzhou Asiad is slated from Sept. 23 to Oct. 8, and will be held almost at the same time as the gymnastics meet in Belgium, which is calendared from Sept. 30 to Oct. 8.
Tolentino has forwarded his appeal to Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion.
The Philippines recently won four golds, two silvers and two bronze medals in the SEA Games in Cambodia.
The GAP plans to send to the Asian Games Juan Miguel Besana for winning the individual vault gold and members of the all-around team for claiming the silver, with Besana.
Other members of the all-around squad includes John Ivan Cruz, Jan Timbang, Justine Ace de Leon and Jhon Romeo Santillan.
“There are other Olympic qualifiers that Carlos can join. Members of the POC are begging the gymnastics association to consider,” added Tolentino.