From left, Rain or Shine's Vince Tolentino, Ryan Arana and Prince Rivero participate in their clustered training at Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong. (PBA Image)
Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra visited a workout session of a PBA team Thursday and was satisfied with what he saw, making him confident the PBA can return to play soon.
Dropping by the Reyes Gym in Mandaluyong, Mitra witnessed how the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters conducted training based on approved guidelines by the government.
“Actually, sobrang bait nila. Kasi yung inabot ko apat lang in a session. Eh allowed sila hanggang lima. Very good, they’re complying and self-regulating,” said Mitra.
“Sabi ko nga tuloy-tuloy lang nila, para ‘di na kami mahirapan mag-ikot,” added Mitra during his chat with Rain or Shine assistant coach Mike Buendia, a family friend.
The GAB chief stressed they will continue with their random visits not just in the workouts of PBA teams but in other clubs – pro boxing, pro football – we well since all are under their supervision.
Mitra shares in the pro leagues' hopes of resuming play soon.
“I think we’re slowly seeing the flattening of the curve. International actions are back. At kailangan din naman natin ibalanse. Kailangan din ng mga kababayan natin ang sports entertainment,” said Mitra.
PBA has a pending request with the IATF for the approval of the shift of the ball clubs to a more active training that will include 5-on-5 scrimmages.
And the pro loop is looking at resuming the stalled 45th season Philippine Cup in October.