Chengdu: Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc on Friday said Team Philippines, comprising 48 athletes, has accomplished its mission at the World Games in Chengdu, China. The country has secured two silver and two bronze medals, with two days left in the 11-day tournament for non-Olympic sports. The two silvers were delivered by Kaila Napolis (women's -52kg in ju-jitsu) and Chezka Centeno (women's 10-ball in billiards), while the two bronzes were courtesy of Carlos Baylon Jr. (men's sanda 56kg class in wushu) and Aislinn Yap (women's combat 80kg in sambo).
According to Philippines News Agency, Arapoc, who is also the president of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines, reflected on the team's performance, expressing that the World Games offered a significant learning experience for the athletes. "The World Games opened our eyes to what is ahead of us in each sports competition. It may appear hard, but with all fairness, I must say they gave it all," Arapoc stated. He commended the athletes for their determination and effort, highlighting their strength and will to win for the country.
In the day's results, Kim Mangrobang emerged as the best Filipina finisher in the women's individual duathlon, clocking 1:32:10 to secure the 18th spot, finishing six minutes and 39 seconds behind the gold medalist Anahi Alvarez Corral of Mexico, who clocked 1:25:31. Meanwhile, Merry Joy Trupa and Bea Quiambao also completed the race, finishing 19th and 26th, respectively.
Looking forward, Filipino duathletes are set to compete in the mixed relay event at the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena. Additionally, powerlifter Regie Ramirez will participate in the men's equipped lightweight division at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium on Saturday, aiming to add to the Philippines' medal tally.
The Philippines has a history of success at the World Games, having won two gold medals in previous editions. Carlo Biado triumphed in the men's single nine-ball event in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2017, while Filipino-Japanese athlete Junna Tsukii claimed victory in the kumite women's 50kg category in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, in 2022.
