Manila – Filipino boxers Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan arrived in Manila on Monday night to book a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in the 2nd World Boxing Qualification Tournament held in Bangkok.
Paalam defeated Sachin Siwach of India in the Men’s 57 KG semifinals on Saturday, while Bacyadan performed a unanimous win against Maryelis Yriza of Venezuela in the Women’s 75 KG category on Sunday.
Paalam said he was happy and thankful especially to his coaches, teammates and supporters who encouraged him to continue training after he was injured in the first Olympic qualifier in March this year.
“Kasi sobrang hirap yung pinagdaanan namin pag start kasi sa akin talaga yung may injury po ako. Kasi na-discourage din po ako, kasi kung paano ko iha-handle yung during po kasi masakit na talaga kasi malapit lang yung injury ko sa Italy, kadikit lang yung month po na maglalaro ako sa Bangkok.
Bacyadan, who switched sports from Vovinam to boxing and qualified for the Olympics for the first time, expressed her initial nervousness.
"Naiilang talaga ako sa simula dahil una kong pagkakataon ito at mayroon akong malaking responsibilidad bilang kinatawan ng Kalinga. Nababahala ako sa tingin nila na dapat kong ma-qualify, pati na rin sa mga taong naniniwala sa akin. " sabi niya
"Marami pa akong kailangang punan dun tulad ng tiwala sa sarili at dedikasyon. Ngunit may kakayanan ako dahil sa aking lakas at sabay-sabay din, kaya ito ay kinakailangan ko. Kaya sinabi ko na noong huli, sasayangin ko ba?
Heading to Paris, Team Philippines now has the largest delegation in boxing with Paalam and Bacyadan's qualification. Eumir Marcial, who won a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics, is joined by Nesthy Petecio, who won silver, and Aira Villegas for their debut.
The Philippine team will also include four gymnasts: Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar, and Emma Malabuyo are the names of four individuals. Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno are three weightlifters who have also qualified. In addition, the Philippines will be represented by EJ Obiena in pole vaulting, Joanie Delgado in rowing, and Sam Catantan in fencing at the 2024 Olympics.
The vast and skillful group of Filipino athletes participating in various fields shows the remarkable representation and expertise they possess as they gear up for the ultimate competition in Paris.
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