PATAFA not closing door on EJ Obiena's inclusion in Vietnam SEA Games delegation

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) remains open to the inclusion of pole vaulter EJ Obiena in the federation's list of athletes set to see action in the Vietnam SEA Games in May.

Athletics president Philip Ella "Popoy" Juico on Tuesday reiterated that the world no. 5 Obiena stays excluded from the national training pool due to the ongoing spat between him and the NSA.

But Juico added that Obiena's participation in the upcoming biennial meet could be discussed among the officials in PATAFA.

"Well, EJ Obiena is not in the national training pool list so we have to discuss that amongst ourselves from the PATAFA board as for the new list that we have submitted to the Philippine Sports Commission," said Juico in the Philippine Sportswriting Forum (PSA) Forum.

"He's not in the list right now as we have announced on January 28 and we will have to look at his case if he wants to participate."

PATAFA in late January asserted that Obiena had decided to "remove himself" from their jurisdiction, which came amidst the allegation of misuse of funds supposedly allotted for his coach.

Still, the athletics body said it is not totally closing the door on Obiena.

The 26-year-old Olympian is the reigning gold medalist in SEA Games when he ruled the 2019 edition after clearing 5.45 meters.

"He said he will ask for help from others [and] other people said they will work for his participation, so let's see what works," Juico added.

Vietnam organizers will only accept the lists of athletes until March 12. The SEA Games opening ceremony, meanwhile, is slated for May 12 in Hanoi.

—JMB, GMA News