POC urges PSC to release incentives for historic Asian Winter Games gold

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The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to expedite the release of cash incentives for the national curling team that won the country’s first-ever gold medal in a winter sport at the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China more than 10 weeks ago.

Tolentino calls for immediate action

POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino voiced concerns over the delay, emphasizing that the incentive is crucial for the team’s momentum as they aim for a Winter Olympics berth.

“Where are the incentives?” Tolentino questioned. “This delay is hurting the momentum of our historic gold medal in curling in Harbin with strong consideration that the victory—a first by the country and any Southeast Asian nation in any winter sport—is our springboard to a potential gold in next year’s Winter Olympics.”

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (third from left) with (from left) coaches Jessica Pfister and Miguel Gutierrez,, Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Christian Haller and Curling Pilipinas playing president Benjo Delarmente.

Historic victory in curling

The team of Marc Pfister, Enrico Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller, and Benjo Delarmente stunned the competition by defeating South Korea, 5-3, in the men’s curling gold medal match on February 14. Their win marked the Philippines’ greatest achievement in winter sports, making them the first Southeast Asian team to claim gold in the Asian Winter Games.

POC took early action

Unlike the PSC, the POC wasted no time in rewarding the team, giving each athlete a $5,000 cash bonus just four days after their return to the Philippines. However, under Republic Act 10699, the government is required to provide a P2-million incentive for the team, while their coaches are entitled to 20% of the athletes’ reward.

Funds crucial for Olympic qualification

Tolentino stressed the urgency of releasing the funds, as the team is set to compete in two Olympic qualifying tournaments later this year. He warned that further delays could impact their preparations and morale, potentially jeopardizing their chances of qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

“I’m hoping they release the incentives the soonest and avoid any delays because this may affect the team’s preparations for their campaign to qualify for the Winter Olympics.”

The ball is now in the PSC’s court, as the curling team waits for the financial support they rightfully earned through their historic achievement.