THERE’s been too much going on in the field of sports these past few weeks.
We were able to witness history unfold in Qatar after Argentina hoisted the 2022 World Cup title just recently with a thrilling 3(4) – 3(2) victory against defending champion France.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi won the World Cup Player of the Tournament for the second time and at the same time the golden ball trophy while leading La Albiceleste to its third title in the World Cup.
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At the home front, Baguio City was able to defend its overall title in the Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Ilocos Sur.
During the first day, the Summer Capital hauled seven gold medals, good for third place.
But as the competition progressed, Baguio City slowly climbed its way back to the top and then pulled away amassing 29 gold, 27 silver and 35 bronze medals as of 12 noon Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Archer Jathniel Caleb Fernandez led Baguio City’s attack scooping six gold medals in the boys 10-under division and getting help from Michiko Brianna Gonzales, Jemuelle James Espiritu, Ashlee Poclis, the girls 13-under team of Jalorrae Lictao, Pia Noble and Chenea Passi, and the boys 15-under squad of Chass Colas, Raizen De Guzman, and Rokai Tacudong.
Baguio’s taekwondo jin, who joined the competition virtually bagged eight gold medals courtesy of Leane Siddayao, Shaun Yagyagen, Joniya Obiacoro, Chezka Luzadas, Caleb Calde, Acey Oglayon, Joshua Erece, Cye Evangelista, Marcus Maquiraya and Valerie Oglayon.
Muay Thai added five gold medals for the highland city while swimming and wushu added one gold a piece.
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In Bangkok, Thailand, at least three Cordillerans raised the country’s flag anew after bringing home gold medals in their respective weight class during the Asian Kickboxing Championships.
Renz Dacquel, Jean Claude Saclag, and Gina Iniong – Araos were all victorious during their campaign in the three-day competition.
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Meanwhile, an I-Benguet and an Ifugao wrestler won silver and bronze in the Southeast Asian Wrestling Championship held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia on December 14 – 18, 2022.
Jason Baucas of Benguet scored two empathic victories to secure a silver in the men’s Greco-Roman 72 kg category.
The 21-year-old Jeferson Calingayan bagged the bronze medal in the 70kgs Freestyle Wrestling category saw him win in two contests but fell short in his two other bouts.
Seven countries participated in the event including Laos, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and the host country Cambodia.
The Philippine Wrestling Team bagged one gold, five silver, and five bronze medals and will also compete in the upcoming SEA Games this May 2023 to be held in Cambodia.
