Vargas: NSAs need to clean up their act
For Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas, the 18th Asian Games here was quite an experience.
He was with the Filipino athletes celebrating their victories and triumphs, and he was with them in defeats, setbacks and losses.
Random thoughts swirled on his mind as he witnessed firsthand the country’s athletes perform, compete and battle in his first Asian Games as the POC chief.
In the pre-departure at the JKT Airport on his way back to Manila yesterday, he put on his tablets his thoughts:
“I realize that despite the improved performance, there are so many things that we still need to do.
“By all indications, the 2018 Asian Games was a success for Team Philippines, e.g total medal count improved, gold count quadrupled, ranking went up from 22nd to 19th (although short of the goal of 15th, but still acceptable).
“It is obvious that grassroots development and talent identification have to be ramped up. The emergence of young talent in these Games points to the fact that fresh young faces with boundless energy, fierce determination and gung-ho spirit are coming to the fore. We need to find more of them.
“Then there are medalrich sports which we need to focus on, such as aquatics and athletics. Our neighboring countries are killing us in these arenas.
“NSAs (national sports associations) need to clean up their act. We cannot allow bickering and power struggles to weigh down our athletes’ efforts. NSAs must foster inclusivity, transparency and accountability.
“Cooperation with the PSC is vital. This is a no brainer. The relationship must be enhanced.
“Partnership with the private sector is also essential. We are not a rich country and government can only do so much.—