Wushu star Agatha Wong hopes to deliver an inspired performance after being selected as one of the flag bearers in the opening ceremony of the World Games from 7 to 17 August in Chengdu, China.
The 27-year-old Wong said she will go all out to win a medal in the biggest multi-sport event that features sports that are not being played in the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Aside from Wong, wakeboarder Rafael Trinidad also be at the helm when the 47-man delegation makes its way at the Tianfu International Convention Centre for the opening ceremony.
“For me, you know, it’s an honor to be a flagbearer but it also puts a bit of pressure because you are in the front of the line for the Philippines,” Wong said.
“For me, aside from it being an honor and aside from me feeling grateful, it also gives me that fear that what if I get last place? What if I get a bad score?”
“So, the best thing you can do is really train, you keep training, and the results just come out when you compete. That’s where all your hard work will come to fruition.”
Wong will be in part of a star-studded crew that hopes to surpass its lone gold medal finish in the 2022 Birmingham World Games in the United States.
Among those joining Wong in China are Rubilen Amit and Jeff de Luna of billiards, Kim Mangrobang of duathlon, and Hergie Bacyadan of kickboxing.
Wong hopes that her stint as flag bearer will inspire more Filipinos to take up wushu.
“For me to be recognized as the flag bearer, it holds so much and it means a lot to me.”
“Not only to me but also to my federation and also to my teammates,” Wong said.
“So, hopefully, this is one step closer to getting more exposure for my sport.”