Daniel Caluag still a go for 2018 Asian Games

PhilCycling quells talks that the Asian BMX cycling champion won't be around to defend his title

Beatrice Go

Published 5:49 PM, August 11, 2018

Updated 5:49 PM, August 11, 2018

CHAMPION BIKER. Fil-Am Daniel Caluag, seen here during the 2012 Summer Olympics, has represented the Philippines in several international events. File photo by Odd Anderson/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-American BMX cyclist Daniel Caluag will still be part of the Philippine campaign in the 2018 Asian Games.

PhilCycling president Bambol Tolentino confirmed to Rappler that Caluag, the country’s lone 2014 Asian Games gold medalist, remains a part of the delegation amid reports that he pulled out.

“He will be there to compete,” said Tolentino in a text message. “Just a miscommunication in his [schedule].”

Tolentino, though, said Caluag begged off from the esteemed role of flag bearer.

Philippine chef de mission Richard Gomez had named Caluag as flag bearer, but Tolentino said the 31-year-old cyclist won't be in Jakarta yet during the opening ceremonies on Saturday, August 18.

After Caluag turned down the role, Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson was given the honor, but the Cleveland Cavaliers guard has yet to get cleared to join Philippine basketball's 12-man lineup.

Caluag represented the Philippines in the 2012 London Olympics. He also won a gold medal in the 2013 Southeast Asian games and a bronze in the 2017 edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 2018 Asian Games BMX racing event will be held on August 25 at the Pulomas International BMX Racing Center. – Rappler.com