POC chief supports fencer Maxine Esteban's decision to switch nationalities, represent Ivory Coast

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino threw his support behind Maxine Esteban as the Filipina fencer decided to switch nationalities and represent Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

Earlier reports have it that the 22-year-old Esteban will now banner Ivory Coast in her pursuit to reach the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"It's OK with us. She can share her talents too and help develop fencing in that small country," Tolentino told GMA Integrated News in a brief message on Thursday.

Esteban is the highest-placed Filipina fencer in global rankings at no. 84 and is also a multi-titled student-athlete in the UAAP where she suited up for Ateneo de Manila University.

The young fencer, however, was sidelined for some time after sustaining an ACL injury during her stint at the 2022 World Fencing Championship in Cairo in July 2022, making her miss a number of tournaments.

Esteban was also not included in the country's delegates for the recent 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, with another top fencer Sam Catantan bannering the Philippine team.

In her first tournament donning the Ivory Coast colors, Esteban is set to see action in Coupe Du Monde and Coupe Du Monde Par Equipes in Georgia on June 2 and 4, respectively.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News