Filipino para athletes intensify medal drive

Philippine chief of mission Francis Diaz praised the grit and determination of Filipino para-athletes as they continue their medal campaign in the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Speaking on DAILY TRIBUNE’s weekly online sports show “Off the Court” on Wednesday, Diaz said the 70-member Philippine delegation has continued to give its best despite the exclusion of chess.

Swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Ariel Alegarbes delivered two gold medals for the Philippines, winning the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 and 100-meter backstroke S14 events, respectively.

“It’s clear that every para-athlete here in Nagoya is determined to give their best whenever they’re given the opportunity. Whenever they step onto the court, field or competition venue, they give it their all,” Diaz said.

“We’ve had heartbreaking losses and triumphant wins, but overall, everyone has risen to the challenge, and we have a very positive attitude toward the Games.”

As of press time, the Philippines had collected two gold medals, two silver and one bronze, compared with the 10 golds it won at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou, China.

However, Diaz noted that the country has already won more gold medals outside chess than it did in Hangzhou, where it secured only one gold outside the sport.

“We already have two gold medals here, compared with one outside chess in Hangzhou,” Diaz said.

“That’s a decent performance, but our campaign is still ongoing. Hopefully, we can improve our standing over the next two days of competition.”

Diaz, who also serves as executive director of the National Academy for Sports, said he does not impose medal targets on Filipino athletes, preferring to let them focus on their individual performances.