Marcial replaces Obiena as Philippine flag-bearer in Olympics

Boxer Eumir Felix Marcial is to take the place of pole-vaulter EJ Obiena as one of the flag-bearers for the Philippines in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on July 23 at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) made the announcement on Thursday, citing Mr. Marcial’s availability in time for the opening event of the rescheduled Olympics.

Mr. Obiena was originally tasked to be the male flag-bearer for the country, joining female judoka Kiyomi Watanabe. But because of the new guidelines issued by organizers, which include requiring flag-bearers to be in Tokyo 48 hours before the opening, the Filipino pole-vaulter was rendered a no-go.

Mr. Obiena will be coming from his camp in Italy and  arriving on July 23 itself, and could not rebook his flight.

Mr. Marcial, meanwhile, is set for Tokyo this weekend from the United States.

“He [Marcial] has the most flexible schedule before and after the opening ceremony. We have already informed Eumir about his task and we are very thankful to EJ for understanding,” said POC President Abraham Tolentino in a statement.

In the opening, only the flag-bearers can join six sports officials from their respective countries in the Parade of Nations as part of strict health and safety protocols against the coronavirus.

For the Philippines, the officials are Chef de mission Mariano Araneta, Philippine Judo Federation President Dave Carter, boxing coach Nolito Velasco, skateboarding coach Daniel Velasco, Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines head Carrion-Norton. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo