Obiena-less PH team joining Asian tourney

By Peter Atencio

A FIVE-MAN Philippine national athletics’ squad is set to compete in the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan without top Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.

Obiena, who recently won his third gold medal for the year in the Orlen Cup in Poland, won’t be able to bring in his poles as the reason for his absence.

“I am truly heartbroken to share this news. I shall be unable to participate in the upcoming Asian Indoor Championships next week in Kazakhstan. I won’t be able to bring glory to my country. I am not injured or sick. I am physically and mentally ready to go. To compete. To fight for gold for The Philippines,” said Obiena in a Facebook message to supporters. Obiena, who cleared 5.87 meters on his second attempt to win the Orlen Cup gold on Thursday, said a day before competitions in Astana are set to begin, that he tried to work things out with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and with his mentor James Lafferty.

Things did not work out for Obiena in his failed trip to Astana because no airline would transport such equipment and Lafferty’s connection could not do it because of the 17-hour drive to the venue.

“Most Asian pole vaulters I know have pulled out for the same reason. It’s a sad state when the best vaulters in Asia are excluded from competing in the biggest indoor championships in Asia.

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