A traditional Pinoy way to compose ourselves and stay positively confident everything is gonna end up fine.
Three golds for the boxing team in the Hangzhou Asiad is not too far fetched.
As I (grimacingly) watched and silently cheered for our boxing team now swapping jabs and hooks in the Asian Games tourney, I can strongly assert that Eumir Marcial, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam have what it takes to bring home the bacon.
Olympians all in the pandemic-delayed 2021 Tokyo edition, the trio remain the Pinoy sports fan source of inspiration and hopeful expectation.
Marcial displayed a bigger frame as he moved to the lightheavyweight category, dominating his Mongolian foe 5-0 in a unanimous decision victory Sunday.
And the Zambo boy did not even flex his best yet because he could have sent the Mongolian to slumberland had he wanted to. I thouight he was saving his best and did not want to be scouted too early as a heavy favorite.
Surprisingly, it was flyweight Mark Fajardo who claimed renown on his KO win over an inexperienced Buthanese pug who went out in just 23 ticks.
Olympian Irish Magno and Aira Villegas were not as lucky and exited early.
But the truth is, the rest of Pinoy sports fans watching the AG media coverage want Marcial and company to score wins via retirement, submission or KOs, to emphasize just how much prepared they are in sweeping their respective opposition.
These guys know their trade and their extensive experience taking part in various international competitions have definitely toughened them up more.
I hope they do not disappoint the 110M Pinoys cheering and praying for their success.
Add EJ Obiena’s eventual ruling of the polevault event makes four.
As the world’s number two (behind world record-breaker Armand Duplantis), the pride of Tondo, Manila can even attempt to break his 6.0m personal record.
Although Hidilyn Diaz and Eileen Sarno didn’t figure excellently well in the recently-concluded IWF world championships, the duo is excpected to contribute to the country’s gold medal haul.
This is an assumption and that makes six first places.
Caloy Yulo is not participating in this continental tournament and that is a pity. Sayang. He could snatch a gold, even two perhaps as he is a hands down favorite.
What about the Fil-Canadian swimmer (Sanchez?) who recently moved here to don the red, white and blue swimsuit? She is reportedly a bright prospect.
Golf provided a gold in the 2018 Asiad but I’m not sure if they can make a repeat. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com). GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
