POC wants Yulo in Asian Games

The Philippine Olympic Committee wants Carlos Yulo to see action in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China instead of campaigning in the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in Antwerp, Belgium.

POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the Asian Games set from 23 September to 8 October will give Yulo more opportunities for the gold medals since most of his rivals will be competing in the world championship scheduled from 30 September to 10 October.

The Philippines clinched four gold, two silver and 15 bronze medals in the previous Asian Games in Jakarta in 2018.

With Yulo, a Tokyo Olympics veteran, suiting up in this year’s edition of the Asian Games, hopes are high that the country will come up with an improved performance.

“It’s going to be a win-win for Team Philippines in the Asian Games because all the gymnastic powerhouse countries will be competing in the world championships,” Tolentino said during the POC general assembly last week.

“So Yulo has a strong opportunity of sweeping all the events in Hangzhou.”

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion earlier announced that Yulo, a former world champion in floor exercise and vault, will be in Antwerp to chase an Olympic slot.

Carrion said they will evaluate the suggestion of Tolentino, which was supported by the entire POC membership.

Tolentino said Yulo will also reap a bounty in terms of financial incentives if he wins a gold or a medal of less color in Hangzhou.

The government’s incentive program gives P2 million for gold, P1 million for silver and P400,000 for bronze in the Asian Games.

Yulo was already included in the “entry by name” list consisting of 426 athletes that the POC sent to the Hangzhou organizers.

He has also earned a berth to Antwerp by virtue of his strong performance in previous International Gymnastics Federation World Cup.

“All the members of the POC general assembly are begging for gymnastics to consider playing in the Asian Games,” Tolentino said.

“We have already asked them to look for other Olympic qualifying events. Belgium is just the first Olympic qualifying event and there are many (qualifying events).”