In Nagoya, Japan, the 5th Asian Para Games are underway, and Filipino athletes are eager to showcase their skills and compete for medals. Key athletes include tankers Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom, cyclists Arthus Bucay, Patrick Lee, and lifter Alyana Nuñez, all of whom are striving for excellence as the competition intensifies.
Ernie Gawilan is the last remaining Filipino gold medalist from the previous Hangzhou edition three years ago. He is set to compete at the Rainbow Pool of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium. Alongside him is Angel Otom, a 23-year-old athlete who secured three gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games last year in Thailand. Gawilan, at 35, expressed hope for success, stating that the outcome depends on fate.
The cycling team, featuring 45-year-old Arthus Bucay and 21-year-old Patrick Lee, is also focused on achieving medals. They aim to collect qualifying points for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Bucay will participate in the 1km individual time trial, while Lee has various events lined up, including the 1km ITT, individual pursuit track, 15km ITT, and the 65km road race at the Japan Cycle Sports Center in Izu, located three hours from Nagoya.
Nikko Peralta is another cyclist competing in the 4km pursuit road race and ITT. National para cycling team coach Norberto Oconer, an Olympian from 1988 and 1992, emphasized the team’s focus on the road race for Paralympic qualification points, despite lower expectations for the track events.
In table tennis, early hope emerged as Lhey Manginsay advanced to the quarterfinals while Billy Smith Cartera moved on to the round of 16. Manginsay, 22, impressively defeated Tajikistan’s Nadima Nurbekova in three straight sets. This victory came as redemption after a previous loss against Mao Jingdian from China, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist.
Cartera also showcased his skills, winning against Mongolian Myagmartsogt Purevdorj to secure his place in the next round of men’s singles Class 4-5, aiming to face Thailand’s Norakan Chanphaka next Monday.
The opening ceremony for the games featured a grand spectacle, attended by around 5,000 athletes, coaches, and officials. The Philippine delegation, led by flag-bearers Lhey Manginsay and Allain Ganapin of taekwondo, joined the lively parade showcasing Filipino culture.
As the competition progresses, support and hope remain high for the Filipino athletes and their quest for medals at this prestigious event.