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    No-go from Patafa? EJ Obiena stint in World Indoors in doubt

    EJ Obiena stint in World Athletics Indoor Championship still in doubt
    Mar 2, 2022
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    EJ Obiena has won a European tournament and is preparing for two world meets.

    EJ OBIENA’s stint in the 2022 World Athletics Indoor Championship remains up in the air as the Olymian has yet to secure an endorsement from the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa).

    A letter by Patafa signed by NCR Regional Director training director Reynato Unso to Obiena indicated that the Patafa board of trustees “will not act on your letter dated February 24, 2022 pending completion of the mediation process organized by the Philippine Sports Commission”

    The letter added that the Patafa board of trustees “recognizes the urgency of the request and will fully cooperate with the PSC mediation with the intent of expediting the process.”

    The Patafa letter didn’t indicate the details of the Feb. 24, 2022 communique by Obiena, but SPIN.ph learned that it has something to do with Obiena’s possible participation in the World Athletics Indoor Championship which is slated March 18-20 in Belgrade, Serbia.

    Obiena earned a spot in the indoor competition after reaching the qualifying standard of 5.81 meters during his victory in the Orlen Cup in Poland. However, entry rules of the competition states that “each member will be allowed to participate with a maximum of two qualified athletes (three in case of a Wild Card) in each event.”

    A ‘member’ is defined as the national federation, in this case, Patafa.

    EJ Obiena

    EJ Obiena has met the qualifying standard for two world athletics championships this year.

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      Currently, Obiena and Patafa are at odds over alleged mishandling of funds for the salaries of Obiena’s coach Vitaly Petrov, an issue that has reached Senate and Congress. The Philippine Sports Commission has offered to mediate between the two parties, but the process has yet to begin.

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      Obiena’s adviser Jim Lafferty also said Obiena’s campaign in the World Indoors remains unsure because of the eligibility rules.

      “There are various interpretations of the rules regarding this subject. EJ isn’t an expert in this area. Clearly, the best option is a peaceful mediation and putting this entire saga into the rear view mirror. This then would eliminate the necessity of such eligibility discussions,” said Lafferty.

      Lafferty hopes that the issues between the Patafa and Obiena will soon be ironed out.

      “This is our hope after now more than three months of distraction. Can you imagine what his performances would be today had he been permitted to train without such distractions and lack of funding?”

      Lafferty said he is impressed with the recent showing of Obiena in the Orlen Capernicus Cup in Poland where he matched his season-best of 5.81 despite the controversies.

      “I am extremely proud of EJ. He is demonstrating he has the heart of a champion when you balance his performance against the adversity he has been facing. The field in Poland was world-class, featuring multiple gold medalists from the Olympics and World Championships.”

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      “This is the second time this indoor season that EJ has surpassed the World Championships indoor qualifying standard. Normally his next competition would be the World Indoors. However. his participation will still need to be finalized and confirmed with the POC, PSC and Patafa. So, at present, his future competitive schedule is a bit fluid at the moment,” said Lafferty.

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      EJ Obiena has won a European tournament and is preparing for two world meets.
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