Philippines aiming for Olympic celebration, Philippines captain Aiumi Ono believes her side have what it takes to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo.
This weekend the Philippines are one of eight wome’s sides competing to join Japan at the highest level as Asia’s representative at the Olympics.
“Playing at an Olympic games would be the greatest achievement an athlete could ever experience,” said Ono.
“It means a celebration for the whole country and there is huge pride in it. If we will qualify for the Olympics we would be delighted as would our country.”
The Philippines have been training non-stop for the past six months and were promoted from the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy this year.
With that success, and that of their men and women 15-a-side counterparts, the development of rugby in the country continues to grow.
With the Rugby World Cup and Olympics in Asia, Ono is hopeful more and more players become available and make her side even more competitive.
“After the huge success of Rugby World Cup in Asia there will be a faster progress in the development of the sport in the Philippines,” added Ono.
“The sport will gain more popularity and interest which will lead to building much stronger Asian teams in the future.
“It will spread more awareness in sports in general too. It will build a healthier lifestyle and improve the sports programs in the continent. Not just that It will also improve the economy by tourism.”
Fixtures and Results >>>> #ARW7sQ
The men’s qualifiers will be hosted by Korea Rugby Union In Incheon South Korea on the 23rd to the 24th of November
Where to watch: The Women’s Qualifiers will be live-streamed on the Asia Rugby Facebook page @Asia.rugby
