PH posts best medal haul at ASEAN Para Games

Posted by ReyFort Media

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – The Philippines posted its best medal haul in the 13th ASEAN Para Games, winning 45 golds, 37 silvers and 52 bronze medals. 

The Filipino delegates easily surpassed their previous gold-silver-bronze haul of 34-33-50 in the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023, making it the country’s best medal haul since the tournament’s inception in 2001 in Malaysia. 

Chief of mission Goody Custodio credited the athletes’ synergy in their respective fields. 

Athletics was the biggest contributor in the country’s gold rush with 16 gold medals 

Meanwhile, swimming won 13 gold medals while chess collected 12 gold medals in this prestigious tournament for differently abled athletes.

“I think the key was that both our athletes and coaches were able to really focus. At the same time, we were able to integrate young para-athletes into the team,” Custodio said. 

“Most of our medalists are actually young talents. Of course, our veterans are still there and they continue to deliver, but a big portion of our success came from new talents coming from different classes, especially among visually impaired athletes. That’s where many of our medalists came from.”

FIDE Master-elect Darry Custodio emerged as the Philippines’ most bemedalled athlete with six gold medals while Paralympic swimmer Angel Otom took home five golds and one silver medal to her name. 

Hosts Thailand reclaimed the overall crown after 11 years with 135 golds, 144 silvers and 114 bronze medals while Indonesia settled for second place with a 135-143-114 haul.

Malaysia took third place with 64 golds, 64 silvers and 73 bronze medals as it prepared to host next year’s Para Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Custodio said the Philippines’ best medal haul was a collective effort from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee as well as the private sector in making sure the athletes were well-equiped against the best in the region.

“The biggest takeaway is the importance of support – from our sponsors like the PSC and MVP Sports, and also from the media. Just by releasing the results and medal tallies, the athletes already feel the support,” Custodio said. 

“Even their families back in the Philippines were able to follow them through videos and updates, which gives them strength. That kind of support really matters to our athletes.”

(Manila Standards Sports News)