Eumir Marcial replaces EJ Obiena as country's male flag bearer in Tokyo Games

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has named Eumir Marcial as the country's flag male bearer for the Tokyo Olympics kicking off next week.

The Filipino boxer will come in as replacement for pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who would not make it in time to be the flag bearer in the Opening Ceremonies on July 23 due to changes of the protocols set by the organizers.

Marcial is among the 19 athletes seeing action in this year's Summer Games and is joined by three other boxers in Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Irish Magno.

Marcial will march alongside female flag bearer in judoka Kiyomi Watanabe during the Parade of Nations.

In a statement, POC chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said they had already informed the 25-year-old Marcial, who will arrive in Tokyo this weekend, about his appointment.

“He [Marcial] has the most flexible schedule before and after the opening ceremony,” Tolentino said. “We have already informed Eumir about his task and we are very thankful to EJ for understanding. He cannot rebook his flight anymore.”

Marcial, who turned professional last year, will make his Olympic debut on July 25 in the Round of 32 of the men’s middleweight division.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News