ANG huling pagkakataon para sa mga boksingerong naghahangad na mag qualify sa darating na 2020 Tokyo Olympics ay sinuspinde na rin dahil sa coronavirus o COVID-19.
Inanunsiyo na ng International Olympic Committee Boxing Taskforce ang suspensiyon ng World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Ang torneo na gaganapin sana sa Paris, France sa Mayo 13 - 20 na isang Universality OQT ang sya sanang huling tsansa para sa mga Olympic hopefuls kabilang na si world champion Filipino featherweight Nesthy Petecio.
“Safeguarding the well-being of the athletes, officials and all other participants is a top priority for the BTF,” nakasaad sa inilabas na IOC statement. “Since the preparation phase of the event, the BTF has been working in close cooperation with the Local Organising Committee – the delivery body of the competition – as well as its stakeholders, its own medical experts, and the national health authorities, to set up the necessary precautionary measures.”
Ginawa ng Boxing Task Force ang kanilang desisyon dahil na rin sa paparami at papataas na bilang ng mga
“travel restrictions” at “quarantine measures” sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng mundo at upang makapag adjust din ang mga makikipagsapalarang mga boksingero sa kanilang mga plano.
“The BTF will continue to evaluate the situation daily, aiming to complete the distribution of the remaining Tokyo 2020 boxing quota places in May and June. The BTF’s priority remains the qualification of athletes on the field of play, and it will inform all stakeholders as soon as more information is available,” ayon pa sa statement.
-Marivic Awitan