THE selection process for athletes seeing action in the two major international meets this year is now going on.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. said this as national sports associations get ready to send athletes to the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur and to the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.
“Hindi pa napipili kung sino ang mga atleta. Pipiliin pa lang ang mga deserving,” said Cojuangco.
Officially known as the 29th SEA Games, it will be the sixth time that the games will be held in Malaysia from Aug. 19 to 31.
A total of 38 sports disciplines will be held.
Five sports, including two winter disciplines, will be introduced to the games, namely bridge, cricket, ice hockey, ice skating and Tarung Derajat.
The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games will be held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Some 21 sports disciplines are on tap when it commences from from Sept. 17 to 27.
Cojuangco, who is set to leave for the United States for a medical checkup, said he wants athletes for the two meets to undergo specialized training in the coming months.
That is why officials of the POC are looking forward to developing a regional training center to help train the athletes.
They were offered a place in Iba, Zambales by Governor Amor Deles.
The POC will send officials to the area for an ocular inspection this Monday.