FOLLOWING Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, actress-singer Agot Isidro suggested decreasing the financial sponsorship for basketball and putting it instead in gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting, the sports that are currently performing well in the Olympics.
Isidro took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts about providing more financial support for other Philippine sports aside from basketball, prompting a divided discussion in the comment section.
“So pwede na ba natin bawasan ang sponsorship at funding ng basketball at idagdag na lang sa gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting? Agree or Disagree?” she wrote.
Some netizens asserted that there should not be a decrease in the funding of any sports but an equal budget for all kinds of PH sports, as they all provide a different kind of entertainment and achievement to the country.
Other users claimed that they understand Isidro’s suggestion because gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting haven’t been receiving sufficient financial support from the government and private sectors, despite Filipino athletes excelling in these sports in the international arena.
“I agree. Sa basketball, wala talaga tayong chance manalo sa Olympics. Better focus tayo sa may competitive edge tayo ,” said one netizen.
After the heated discussion in her first post, Isidro penned another statement, saying, “Dami palang triggered. Sahree naman. Nagtanong lang. Eto na lang. Can we agree to have a public gymnasium built for every municipality? Meron pa bang Palarong Pambansa?”
The Palarong Pambasa 2024 concluded on July 17 while other netizens reasoned that local governments usually provide only basketball courts, and there are gymnasiums in some areas, but they are usually not properly maintained with equipment.
Yulo made Philippine sports history after winning two gold medals in the gymnastics category of the 2024 edition of the Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
