Malacañang has expressed its elation over the noteworthy performances of several Filipino athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in a statement conveyed the Palace’s congratulatory message for boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
“We congratulate Nesthy Petecio in winning the women’s boxing featherweight semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics and securing a second Olympic medal for the Philippines; EJ Obiena for leaping into the finals of the Men’s Pole Vault; and Carlo Paalam for clinching a quarterfinals ticket in the men’s boxing flyweight class,” Roque said.
A second Olympic gold medal could now be within the Philippines’ reach after Petecio bested Italy’s Irma Testa via split decision, 4-1, in the semifinals of the women’s featherweight division of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ boxing tournament at the Kokugikan Arena on Saturday.
Paalam also moved closer to winning a guaranteed bronze medal after he qualified for the quarterfinals of the men’s flyweight division on Saturday. He made it to the next round of the fight after winning via unanimous decision against Algeria’s Mohamed Flissi in the Round of 16.
Obiena also qualified for the finals of the men’s pole vault competition at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium, after he cleared the 5.75 meters on his third and final try to stay in contention for a medal. He hurdled the 5.50- and 5.65-meter marks in one attempt.
Roque said Malacañang is one with the Filipino people in rejoicing the performance of their athletes in the Tokyo Olympic Games. “The whole nation is praying for our athletes as their quest for an Olympic gold medal continues. Go for gold!” he said.
Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ended the Philippines’ nearly century-old Olympic gold medal quest after ruling the women’s weightlifting competition.