By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Manny Pacquaio’s dream of representing the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympics men’s boxing event was put to an end last February 18, 2024.
This was after the request sent by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) was denied by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stating that Pacquiao already surpassed the age threshold of 40 years old per tournament guidelines.
Pacquiao, now 45 years old, announced his desire to represent the PHL in the sport of boxing in the upcoming Summer Olympics to be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
There was a slim glimmer of hope last October 11, 2023, when the POC began to make their moves and processed their appeal to the IOC.
Headed by POC president Abraham Tolentino, the PHL committee sent a letter of request to the IOC, revealing that they inquired if they would be allowed to nab a slot for the universality places rules.
Under the universality places rule, an athlete will be granted a spot in the Olympics who failed to undergo the qualification stage, in this case, the Asian Games.
Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) Secretary-General Marcus Manalo also said that they are hands-on in making this possible.
Pacquiao obviously didn’t meet the IOC’s age limit but Manalo reiterated that they can still challenge the ruling and present their case.
Manalo explained that they are planning to appeal the limit and convince the IOC that despite Pacquiao’s age, he can still go toe-to-toe with the younger boxers from the participating countries.
“I believe that age is not a barrier to fulfill our dreams. A clear heart and mind always finds its way to realize our dreams. I believe that it is not too late to fulfill my dream of bringing home a boxing gold medal from the Olympics for the Philippines,” said Pacquaio.
However, the IOC released a statement that they are firm with their decision to disallow Pacquiao from joining the Paris Olympics due to the age threshold rules.
Despite the outcome, Pacquiao still vowed to give his all-out support to the PHL national boxing team that will compete in the Paris Olympics.
