Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — The Philippine wrestling team that snared medals in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games remains intact in their campaign in the upcoming edition of the biennial sports event in Hanoi, Vietnam next month.
The Filipino wrestlers harvested two golds, 10 silvers, and one bronze during the last SEA Games held in Angeles, Pampanga.
2019 SEA Games gold medalists Noel Norada (Greco-Roman 63kg) and Jason Baucas (Greco-Roman 72kg) will defend their crown in Vietnam, according to the lineup that Philippine Wrestling Federation secretary-general Marcus Valda shared to CNN Philippines.
Veteran wrestler Jason Balabal who took home the silver in the Greco-Roman 87kg division in 2019 will fight in the Greco-Roman 97kg category in his fourth SEA Games stint.
Also returning to the forthcoming edition of the regional sports event are 2019 SEA Games silver medalists Michael Cater (Greco-Roman 53kg), Margarito Angana Jr. (Greco-Roman 60kg), Alvin Lobreguito (Freestyle 57kg), Ronil Tubog (Freestyle 61kg), Jhonny Morte (Freestyle 65kg), Joseph Angana (Freestyle 70kg), Jiah Pingot (Freestyle 50kg), Minalyn Foy-os (Freestyle 55kg), and Noemi Tener (Freestyle 62kg).
Completing the 13-strong intact Philippine wrestling team is 2019 SEA Games bronze medalist Jefferson Manatad (Greco-Roman 87kg).
The Filipinos will face an uphill battle for the gold against host country Vietnam which dominated the 2019 SEA Games wrestling competitions with 12 golds and two silvers.
The 31st SEA Games wrestling tournament is set on May 17-19.
