The Philippine Kickboxing team finished strong after bagging one gold and two silver medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Monday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Keeping true to their promise, Filipino kickboxers Jerry Olsim claimed the gold medal, while Jomar Balangui and Raquel Daquel earned silver medals in their respective weight division classes.
Benguet pride Olsim was the first to rock the dome after beating Klinming Sarayut of Thailand in the -69kg kick light category.
Dacquel lost to Nguyen Thi Hang Nga, 2-1, in the women’s -48kg full contact, while Balangui bowed to Phan Ba Hoi, 2-1, in the men’s -54kg low kick.
The PH still has two more shots at the gold when Gina Iniong and Benguet native Jean Calude Saclag see action in the women’s -55kg kick light category and -63kg. low kick class Tuesday afternoon.
Samahang Kick-boxing ng Pilipinas president Senator Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino lauded the athletes for delivering a good fight. Despite the challenges faced by the players, the lawmaker said they fought fair and fiercely.
“Nakita naman natin na talagang lumaban tayo, hindi natin ito expertise pero nakipag-laban ang mga manlalaro natin. Congratulations sa mga nanalo. Pahuhusayan pa natin sa susunod,” said Tolentino.
