2016 RIO OLYMPICS : IAN LARIBA IS NAMED AS PHILIPPINES' FLAG BEARER

Table tennis qualifier Ian Lariba of the De La Salle University has been names as the Philippines' flag bearer in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Lariba is the first ever Filipino table tennis athlete to qualify in the summer Olympic games. The announcement was made during the athletes' orientation today with the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Lariba will be leading 11 other athletes to be fielded by the country - Eric Shaun Cray, Mary Joy Tabal and Maristella Torres of athletics, Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez of boxing, Kristie Elaine Alora of taekwondo, Hidilyn Diaz and Nestor Colonia of weightlifting, Miguel Tabuena of golf and Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie King Lacuna of swimming.

The opening ceremonies where Lariba will be carrying the flag will be on August 5, 2016 at the Maracana Stadium.

Here is Lariba with POC executive Peping Cojuangco and fellow Olympians as posted in the Twitter account of Patricia Hizon :

The flag bearer for the Philippines for the #RioOlympics is Yan Larriba! pic.twitter.com/ok8QOlV83J

— Patricia Hizon (@patriciahizon) July 19, 2016

Congratulations Ian for this achievement and good luck to all athletes that will compete in the Olympic games!