Asian Martial Games postponed due to Thailand turmoil

MANILA, Philippines – Sports has become a casualty of the ongoing turmoil in Thailand. This as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), citing security concerns amid the “worsening political unrest," postponed the inaugural Asian Martial Arts Games that Bangkok is supposed to host late this month. In a notice to participating countries on Tuesday, the OCA said it is pushing event to June 6 instead of the original April 25-May 3 slate, with the Thai capital still the venue. “It’s a pity that sports has been affected," said the Philippine delegation’s chief of mission Dave Carter. “All we can do is to pray and hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully by our Thai brothers." Thai protesters have filled the streets of Bangkok to demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The demonstrations marred by rioting and clashes have left two dead and 200 injured across Bangkok. This has prompted the OCA to move back the Games, which were supposed to serve as a qualifying event for the 1st World Martial Arts Games next year. Philippine officials can look at the postponement on a more positive perspective as it affords the RP delegation more time to both train and look for needed funding. The Philippines is looking to send as many as 42 bets to the meet that features action in judo karatedo, taekwondo, wushu, muay, pencak silat, kurash, kickboxing and jujitsu. However, the team is still short in funding as the Philippine Sports Commission has only released P1.9-million to the team that estimated close to P5-million in expenses for the participation. –GMANews.TV