The Filipino pride of Philippine School Doha students has grown as Filipino sports persons clinched a number of gold medals at the just concluded Asian Games after decades.
They brought home four gold medals in total with the victories notched up by Ernest John Obiena in athletics, Margarita Ochoa and Annie Ramirez in jiu-jitsu 48 kg and 57 kg respectively, and Gilas Pilipinas in basketball.
EJ Obiena is a known Filipino pole vaulter contributing to the Philippine pole vaulting history with his exceptional achievements including the recent win at the Asian Games. Maryam Anuar, a grade XII student, said, "I think that it was a big win for the Philippines, even with just one medal. I think this medal will inspire more sports persons to achieve such goals and it will be a signal for the youth to continue their passion in whatever sport they excel in and to never give up.”
Ulyzse Reyes, a grade IX student, said this triumph made him feel proud of his origins. He said this would serve as an inspiration to a lot of people who want to emulate Obiena.
On top of that, Margarita Ochoa secured the top place for the jiu jitsu women’s 48kg category. Maedelline Padil, a grade XI student, noted that despite hearing of the event for the first time, she still felt amazed by this feat. "I’m incredibly thrilled that another Filipino name is at the top. However, I can’t help but feel that accomplishments like this are not recognised enough. I hope that this would be broadcast more since this deserves more recognition”, she stated.
Another grade XI student named Catrynn Fajardo said the event gave her a sense of pride knowing how Filipinos are all-rounders in different fields of sports including jiu jitsu. She pointed out how this win displays Filipinos’ trademark characteristics of being resilient, hardworking, and persevering in achieving their goals.
In the jiu jitsu 57 kg division, Annie Ramirez also got the gold medal. Bernice Ventura, a grade X student, said she felt inspired as this success exemplifies the hard work and sacrifices of Ramirez. "Her win did not only bring glory to herself, but also to our nation as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country and for young students like us,” she elaborated.
Moreover, Matt Fortes from Grade XI shared how he felt proud of the Philippines for the achievement and how he felt represented in the global scene of sports. The victory of one athlete is a win for all Filipinos, he stressed.
In basketball, Gilas Pilipinas won a gold medal ending a 61 year drought for the country. Angela Mariano, a Grade XII student, shared her sentiments regarding the win."I feel proud for the Philippine basketball team because that gold medal is a result of their hard work and dedication through the years.”
Additionally, Jayla Ignacio, another grade XII student, expressed that with the Gilas Pilipinas’ triumph, it feels to be an honour to be a Filipino. The team’s commitment to their passions and goals also manifested throughout the Asian Games.
PSD students remarked that the Philippines’ win brought more inspiration for nationalistic and proud individuals of the Philippines who aim to be successful future athletes.
(Contributed by Toni Gloria, Naira Sali, Ethan Nepomuceno, news and sports writers of The Link)