MANILA: Manny Pacquiao, the renowned boxing legend, faced disappointment as his Olympic aspirations were dashed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Despite a fervent request by the Philippine Olympic Committee for a special exemption, Pacquiao’s age, surpassing the IOC’s 40-year limit for Olympic boxers, became an insurmountable hurdle.
In a statement, Pacquiao expressed understanding of the decision while conveying his sadness and respect for the age-limit rules.
This setback marks the end of a longstanding dream for Pacquiao, who had hoped to represent his country on the Olympic stage, having never competed in the games before.
Abraham Tolentino, President of the Philippine Olympic Committee, lamented the IOC’s decision, citing the missed opportunity for the Philippines to secure a podium finish or even its first-ever gold in Olympic boxing.
Despite this setback, Pacquiao affirmed his unwavering support for Filipino athletes competing in the Olympics and pledged to continue bringing pride and honor to his nation, albeit outside the Olympic ring.
Notably, Pacquiao remains committed to the sport, as evidenced by his upcoming exhibition match against Thai kickboxer Buakaw Banchamek in Bangkok.
This match, scheduled for April 20, underscores Pacquiao’s enduring passion for boxing and his determination to continue entertaining fans worldwide.
As Pacquiao faces this disappointment with grace, his resilience and dedication to his craft continue to inspire millions around the globe.
