Two days before the official closing of the 9th ASEAN Para Games, the Philippines has already matched its 8th ASEAN Para Games gold medal production after successfully hauling its 16th gold medal Thursday afternoon in Bukit Jalil Stadium.
Trackster Maria Cielo Dimain Honasan gave the Philippines the 16th gold after dominating the women’s 400M T44/46 event Thursday afternoon.
It is the PH athletics team’s 8th gold medal, surpassing their Singapore Games’ record of 5 golds.
Aside from Honasan, Prudencia Del Mundo Panaligan won in women’s 200m T53/54 3-wheel event. Cendy Asusano who gave PH its first medal in javelin throw event last Monday also snatched a gold in women’s discus throw f54 event while Rosalie Torrefiel won a gold in women’s javelin throw f12 event.
Also Thursday morning, Ifugao-native Adeline Dumapong Ancheta gave Philippines a gold after successfully lifting 116kg in the women’s 86+ kg event in para powerlifting.
PH team started hauling golds since Monday in chess, swimming, athletics, cycling and bowling.
According to PHILSPADA president Mike Barredo, he believes the team can surpass the 16 gold medal record they have set last year.
“I’m very happy because our target is still on track. Ako conservative ako, I just hope we can better our Singapore Para Games medal tally. Target natin hopefully at least the fifth (spot).” Barredo said.
The Philippine team is confident they can still win more gold medals as events in chess, table tennis and athletics continue on Friday. | Angel Atienza – PTV Sports
