NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand — The Philippines will go home from the 13th ASEAN Para Games sporting a toothy smile after posting its best-ever showing.
With a few more events scheduled Sunday, the Philippines was toting a gold-silver-bronze tally of 38-31-47 behind top finishes by Cyril Ongcoy in the men’s 5000-meter T12, Cleford Trocino in the men’s 800-meter T52 and Gary Bejino in the men’s 100-meter S6, his fourth overall in this Games.
Previously, the Philippines’ shiniest collection was 34-33-50 in the 2023 edition of the biennial sportsfest for the differently-abled in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
It was Ongcoy’s second gold medal following his success in the 1500-meter T12 last Wednesday.
“I’ve been saying for a long time that this is my main event. I really can’t afford to lose here,” Ongcoy said.
“I’ve really learned to strategize and focus because it’s hard to focus especially when you’re under pressure and the other guys are bigger.”
The 38-year-old Trocino said the gold was with it after beating 2004 Athens Paralympic bronze medalist and home bet Peth Rungsri, who took the bronze medal with a time of 2:01.31.
“In ten years, this is the first time I struck gold. My teammates are Paralympic-caliber,” Trocino said.
“I never thought I would have a bit of strength left to cross the finish line.”
More medals are expected for the Filipinos as the men’s wheelchair basketball squad is vying for the gold against host Thailand at Terminal 21 Korat and the chess team is competing in the Rapid category at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University as of this writing. Ivan Suing
