Philippines mulls boycotting Incheon Asiad

The Philippines, a candidate of four strongest teams in men’s basketball, is reportedly considering even boycotting its participation at the Incheon Asian Games due to controversy over denial of a naturalized Pilipino athlete’s participation. Local media in the Philippines said on Tuesday, “As the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) does not allow Andrei Blatche (28), a naturalized Pilipino citizen from the U.S., to participate in the Asian Games for his alleged disqualification, the national basketball team is considering measures including boycott of the event.”

The OCA rules on eligibility for participation provide that “An athlete who is a naturalized citizen should live in the country concerned for at least three years.” Ricky Vargas, vice chairman of the Philippines Basketball Association, told a press conference on Monday that the association is mulling measures, including another naturalized athlete’s participation, a boycott of the Incheon Asian Games, and referral of the case to the international sports tribunal.

Blatche, who is playing at the U.S. National Basketball Association, acquired a Philippine citizenship in June and participated as member of the Philippine team at the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup, which is taking place in Spain. The Philippines, which ranked second at the Asian Championships last year, is a gold medalist candidate along with Korea, Iran and China at the Incheon event. Meanwhile, on the Philippines’ compliant suggesting, “The measure is taken to block a strong contender in the medal race," the Incheon Asian Games organizing committee said, “The decision was made in line with OCA rules.”