POC, NGAP cite logistical problems in golfers' uniform issue in Paris Olympics

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) clarified that the uniform issue of Filipina golfers Dottie Ardina and Bianca Pagdanganan in their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign stemmed from logistical problems. 

A video circulating on social media showed Ardina venting her frustrations about their uniforms.

POC said in a statement that the Philippine delegation's official apparel sponsor had sent an initial golf uniform design, but it was later disapproved. POC added that the revised design was only sent out a week before the opening ceremony on July 27. 

Despite the efforts of POC and NGAP officials, the competition gears were not given to Ardina and Pagdanganan in time as the French customs held the package. 

NGAP, for its part, detailed how the situation happened regarding the image of the Philippine flag.

"So they (sponsor) decided to purchase the clothing locally in Paris based on the sizes submitted by the players previously. When I met with [them] to get their purchased items, I said it needs to have the flag on them. So they made the effort to get them printed. They found a place but didn’t have the capability of printing flags," NGAP secretary general Bones Floro said.

"So they did the 2nd option which was to print our olympic country code which is PHI."

POC said the players were eventually given their uniforms that were purchased in Paris, but both Ardina and Pagdanganan chose to wear their own apparel. 

"Sets of competition gear were arranged to be produced locally in Paris. However, during the succeeding rounds, the athletes opted to wear their personal attire with the positive impression of sporting the Philippine flag, which our Pinay athletes managed to improvise," POC said in a statement. 

POC stressed there was no corruption and that they are also saddened to hear the news, sharing the issue was an isolated case. 

"The campaign of the Philippines has been a resounding success for Paris 2024, which only shows the hard work that the entire delegation put in. The situation that our golfers are in, although regrettable, is also an isolated case," POC said. 

"The Paris delegation officials and National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) officials will always cater the best of our athletes."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News