Sports inch closer to return as IATF approves training proposals

Sports in the Philippines gets a huge boost in returning to action as the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infections Diseases gave them a nod to resume their training sessions Friday afternoon.

This was announced earlier in the press briefing where Resolution 51 gave the task force the approval of the protocols sent by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Games and Amusements Board with regards to the conditioning and training of the professional players, getting the games one step closer to resuming competition.

With that said, sports such as basketball are given a huge boost as they are raring to get back in action, more than three months since the competitions have been halted owing to the lockdown imposed in the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is said in various reports that the two professional leagues, the Philippine Basketball Association and the Philippines Football League have clamored proactively for the resumption by submitting their guidelines to both the PSC and GAB, and was in positive vibes when the good news was announced.

PFF president Mariano Araneta was thankful to the two government organizations in their request, in which they pushed for a return to action as early as May, citing the guidelines set by FIFA and the resumption of various leagues around the world.

“We thank both IATF and GAB for their approval in ensuring that professional sports may push through despite the ongoing pandemic,” said Araneta, as they are raring to get the season kicking off which was delayed multiple times due to the quarantine.

“The next step now is to ensure the health and safety of the players, as we prepare for the start of the PFL.” 

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial was also glad of the news of their approval, with them being on the right track to return after setting their deadline to August.

"I'm sure masaya din ang mga players sa balitang ito dahil sila mismo gusto na makalaro uli," Marcial added, as they will hold a meeting with all the teams and the board of governors to finalize the protocols. 

Photos: PBA and PFL (FILE)