Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) – The Philippines clinched on Wednesday its first gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam, a day before the formal opening of the pandemic-delayed sports event.
Mary Francine Padios of the Philippine pencak silat team bagged the title in the women’s seni tunggal single category in the match held at the Bac Tu Liem Gymnasium.
Padios defeated Indonesia’s Puspa Arum Sari in the finals.
The 18-year-old pride of Aklan dedicated her feat to her father, who has fallen into a coma since December last year after figuring in a car accident.
Philsilat Sports Association secretary general Inier Candor confirmed to CNN Philippines that the trio of Jefferson Loon, James El Mayagma, and Rick Rod Ortega took home the bronze medal in the regu trio male event.
Candor said eight more Filipino pencak silat athletes hope to achieve a podium finish like Padios and the trio in the regional tournament.
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With the twin victories for the pencak silat team, the Philippines won one gold, two silvers, and three bronzes in the 31st SEA Games.
The two silvers and two bronzes were won by kurash athletes on Tuesday.
RELATED: Kurash athletes win PH’s first medals in Vietnam SEA Games
“My dad has become my inspiration after he figured in a terrible car accident on her way home in Aklan just before Christmas,” said Padios.
