Chengdu an eye-opener for Phl delegates

CHENGDU, China — With two days of competition remaining and only two sports to be played in the 2025 World Games, Filipino athletes heading home can proudly hold their heads high — with or without a medal.

For Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc, who is the president of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines, it is mission accomplished.

"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," said Arapoc, who was tasked to oversee the campaign of the 48 athletes here in the 11-day tournament for non-Olympic disciplines.

With the duathlon mixed relay contest rolling off at the Xinglong Lake Hubin Arena and powerlifter Regie Ramirez trying his best for a podium finish in the men's equipped lightweight division at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium on Saturday, much is anticipated when the entire delegation leaves this modern and accommodating city with a big smile and an even greater hope of success in future events.

Supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, and backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, the national team has reasons to celebrate — albeit missing the euphoria of a golden triumph — after a decent haul of two silver and two bronze medals so far.

Kaila Napolis took the first silver medal in women's -52-kilogram ju-jitsu, while Chezka Centeno came so close at winning the gold if not for a late blunder in women's 10-ball finals.

Carlos Baylon Jr. delivered bronze in the men's wushu sanda 56kg class, just as Aislinn Yap pounced on her Costa Rican opponent Thursday night to win bronze in sambo combat 80kg category.

There was also a ton of potential seen in wakeboarding, muay thai, kickboxing, dragon boat, and floorball — some of which are programmed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games set in Thailand late this year.

"All their strength, all their will and determination to win big for our country, that is commendable," Arapoc said. "They really fought hard. They all deserve a standing ovation."