Push Admin

POC explains why other Pinoy athletes won't join Parade of Nations

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/life/11/30/20191130-seagames-opening-20.jpg"/></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATED) There will be more sports officials than athletes when the Philippine delegation marches during the Parade of Nations in the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympic Games.The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has said that only the country&#x27;s two flag-bearers will march during the ceremony that takes place on July 23 at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.The Philippine flag will be carried by judoka Kiyomi Watanabe and boxer Eumir Marcial, who replaced pole vaulter EJ Obiena as the male flag-bearer.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/08/21/obiena-watanabe-named-ph-flag-bearers-for-tokyo-olympics-opening">READ: EJ Obiena, Kiyomi Watanabe named PH flag bearers for Tokyo Olympics opening</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/13/21/due-to-scheduling-conflicts-obiena-likely-to-be-replaced-as-ph-flag-bearer">READ: Due to scheduling conflicts, Obiena likely to be replaced as PH flag-bearer</a></li>	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/15/21/eumir-marcial-to-serve-as-phs-male-flag-bearer-in-tokyo-opening-ceremonies">READ: Eumir Marcial to serve as PH&#x27;s male flag bearer in Tokyo opening ceremonies</a></li></ul>&quot;Kahit pa allowed, kahit pa allowed ang athletes magparada... We decided not to take the risk, as health protocols. Sila na lang. Mahirap na eh,&quot; POC President Rep. Abraham &quot;Bambol&quot; Tolentino explained.While other Filipino athletes are expected to begin arriving by July 18, Tolentino said they will not march during the Parade of Nations.Rather, the flag-bearers will be accompanied by six sports officials: chef-de-mission Mariano &quot;Nonong&quot; Araneta, Philippine Judo Federation president Dave Carter, boxing coach Nolito Velasco, skateboarding coach Daniel Velasco, Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco, and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion. According to Tolentino, athletes who are already in the Olympic Village at the time of the Opening Ceremonies can join the parade. However, the POC does not want to take any risks with the members of Team Philippines.&quot;For us, I think let&#x27;s be responsible, not take that risk. Kahit pa andoon na sila eh may laro naman kinabukasan or may laro the day after,&quot; he explained.&quot;Hindi lang &#x27;yun sa may laro. Eh kung that will be a big exposure, di ba? Sayang naman. &#x27;Wag na lang siguro pumarada. Okay na tayo ng anim lang at saka dalawang flag bearer na official,&quot; he added.&quot;So sa mga kababayan natin na sasabihin, &#x27;Bakit &#x27;yun, ang daming pumarada, bakit &#x27;yun pumarada lahat?&#x27; Well, we decided not to take the risk.&quot;Filipino athletes will plunge into action on July 23, starting with rower Cris Nievarez who will compete in the heats of the men&#x27;s single sculls. The next day, gymnast Carlos Yulo -- one of the country&#x27;s brightest medal hopes -- begins his qualification process in men&#x27;s artistic gymnastics.Carrion has already said that Yulo will not carry the Philippine flag during the Opening Ceremonies because of his competition the next day.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/06/21/carlos-yulo-wont-be-ph-flag-bearer-in-olympic-opening-ceremonies">READ: Carlos Yulo won&#x27;t be PH flag-bearer in Olympic opening ceremonies</a></li></ul>

(UPDATED) There will be more sports officials than athletes when the Philippine delegation marches during the Parade of Nations in the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

(UPDATED) There will be more sports officials than athletes when the Philippine delegation marches during the Parade of Nations in the opening ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

POC explains why other Pinoy athletes won't join Parade of Nations

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

POC explains why other Pinoy athletes won't join Parade of Nations

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 15, 2021 02:45 PM PHT

|

Updated July 15, 2021 03:37 PM PHT

Read More:

Tokyo Olympics

Olympic Games

2020 Tokyo Olympics

Team Philippines

Philippine Olympic Committee

POC

Bambol Tolentino

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.