Kuala lumpur: The Philippines amassed medals in the Special Olympics Asia-Pacific (SOAP) badminton competition held at the Stadium Juara from September 17 to 20. Headlining the Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP)-backed shuttlers' successful campaign were three golds, including two from Nikki dela Cruz.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dela Cruz dominated the women's singles Division 2, sweeping her way to the gold after defeating opponents from Indonesia, Thailand, and Pakistan. She then teamed up with Joanna Duron to rule the unified women's doubles Division 2. The other gold came from John Dave Floranda, who prevailed in the men's singles Division 3, capped by a 2-0 sweep against his opponent from Maldives.

The Filipino team also secured two silver medals, courtesy of Arjay Elunan and Henry Wales in the unified men's doubles Division 3 and Marcus Palomares and Robin Conanan in the unified men's doubles Division 2. Jasmin Mojica added to the medal tally with a bronze in the women's singles Division 1.

Additional honors were received by Floranda, Wales (men's doubles Division 1), Palomares (men's singles Division 2), Mojica, and Angel Sabud (women's doubles Division 1), who were awarded ribbons of excellence for making the Top 5 in their respective categories.

SOP national president Akiko Guevarra expressed joy over the Philippine team's performance, stating, "Our athletes did not just win medals; they won hearts. Every smash, every rally, and every comeback they made showed the world what inclusion looks like. This campaign is proof that Filipinos with intellectual disabilities are champions-in sports and in life."

The SOAP badminton event drew 123 participants from 10 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.