TEAM Philippines’ quarters at the Athletes’ Village of the Tokyo Olympic Games. (Hidilyn Diaz Twitter page) 

MEMBERS of Team Philippines now in Tokyo for the Olympic Games have started their training in their respective venues, said the country’s chef de mission. 

CDM Mariano V. Araneta shared that it has been so far, so good for the Philippine contingent in the lead-up to the official start of the rescheduled quadrennial Games on July 23. 

“Everyone who’s here is already training in their respective training venues,” Mr. Araneta communicated to local sports media from Japan. 

He said the team is still adjusting to the procedures for the daily virus tests for the athletes but they are managing. 

The country’s bets in boxing, weightlifting, shooting, taekwondo, swimming, gymnastics, rowing, skateboarding, golf, judo and athletics are already in Japan, either in the Olympic Athletes’ Village or in locations of their choice. 

“Team Hidilyn [Diaz] is already training, as well as the boxing team,” said Mr. Araneta.“There are challenges in bringing the athletes to their training venues, but they are all under control.” 

US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso is already in Japan but is not staying in the village and is billeted in a hotel near the venue where the golfing event will take place. Fellow golfers Juvic Pagunsan and Bianca Pagdanganan are also set to stay in separate hotels near the venue. 

Mr. Mariano said pole-vaulter EJ Obiena will stay in the village once he arrives on Friday noon, hours before the Olympic Opening Ceremony. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo 

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