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MANILA – As the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia officially closed last night, the Philippines’ campaign in the biennial event turned out as a major disappointment – save for its few runaway victors.
Its 24-gold medal finish marks its worst production since hauling 20 mints in the Brunei edition of the SEA Games in 1999.
But contrary to the Brunei Games, where only 233 gold medals were at stake, this year’s edition in Kuala Lumpur staked 404 gold medals, more than one-fourth of which was cornered by the host country.
Overall, the Malaysians grabbed 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals while Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia finished in second, third, fourth, and fifth spots with 72, 58, 57, and 38 gold medals, respectively.
One of the matches that capped the Philippines’ stint at the Kuala Lumpur Games was the women’s -73kg taekwondo, wherein bet Kirstie Elaine Alora faltered in the finals late Tuesday against Cambodian Sorn Seavmey 13-6.
“Nahihirapan talaga ako sa kanya. Ilang beses na niya akong tinalo,” Alora said of Seavmey, who also defeated the former during the Olympic qualifier last year.
The men’s squash team – David William Pelino, Robert Garcia and Reymark Begornia – also finished with silver in the team regu, losing to Singapore 1-2.
In sepak takraw, the Philippine team – Jason Huerte, Rheyjey Ortuoste, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Rhemwil Catana, and Ronsted Gabayeron – lost to Malaysia 0-2 and also settled for silver.
Racking up bronze in pencak silat were Rick Ortega (tanding class C, 55-60kg), Jefferson Rey Loon (tanding class D, 60-65kg), Juryll del Rosario (tanding class 1, 85-90kg and tanding 85-90kg), and Ric-Rod Ortega (55-60kg).
Aside from 24 gold medals, the Philippines also got a total of 33 silver and 64 bronze medals.
Runaway winners were Olympians Eric Cray (400m hurdles) and Mary Joy Tabal (marathon), Gilas Pilipinas (men’s basketball), and Kim Mangrobang and Nikko Huelgas (women’s and men’s triathlon, respectively).
This heartbreaking campaign in Kuala Lumpur should be left behind, said Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.
He urged everyone to back up the Filipino athletes as they brace for the Philippines’ hosting of the Games in 2019.
“All of us, including the critics, should rally behind the 2019 Philippine hosting and support the athletes in any way we can,” said Cojuangco. (With reports from the Philippine Sports Commission and Adrian Stewart Co/PN)
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