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    Obiena, Watanabe named Philippine flag bearers in Tokyo Olympics

    Obiena, Watanabe named Philippine flag bearers in Tokyo Olympics
    Jul 8, 2021
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    EJ Obiena and Kiyomi Watanabe are the flag bearers of the Philippines in the Tokyo Olympics, the Philippine Olympic Committee announced on Thursday.

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said in a virtual press conference all 19 athletes are deserving to carry the flag in the opening ceremonies, but the POC also considered the arrival of the athletes in Tokyo as well as their competition schedule.

    The opening rites are slated on July 24.

    Obiena will arrive in Tokyo on July 23, with his competition scheduled on July 31, while Watanabe is based in Japan.

    “They are all qualified to serve as flag-bearers but we based our selection on the flight and availability. Kung sino po ’yung nandoon na. Hindi po tayo sabay-sabay pupunta doon,” said Tolentino.

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      For the first time since the Philippines started participating in the Olympics, one male and one female will carry the flag during the parade of nations to be held at the 68,000-seat National Stadium.

      But due to the threat of COVID-19 pandemic, only six persons will be parading for the Philippines, with other countries also limited during the opening ceremonies.

      Aside from Obiena and Watanabe, also joining the opening ceremonies are chef de mission Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, swimming president Lani Velasco, gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion, skateboarding coach Daniel Bautista, and boxing coach Nolito Velasco.

      Obiena is seen as one of the medal hopefuls of the Philippines, being ranked No. 6 in the world in pole vault, while Watanabe, competing in her first Olympic Games, has won four gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games.

      Tolentino said Caloy Yulo of gymnastics and Margielyn Didal of skateboarding were also considered, but their competition will be held the day after the opening rites.

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      “Personally, I talked to them and thanked me for considering them. They didn’t decline pero sinabi nila ‘yung situation,” said Tolentino.

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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