This Filipina won Team PH’s first gold at the 31st SEA Games

While EJ Obiena is set to be the Philippines’ flag bearer in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Southeast Asian Games, another Filipino athlete thrived during the event and secured the country’s first gold medal on May 11.

The country’s representative Francine Padios succeeded in her feat when she was up against Indonesia’s Puspa Arum Sari in the Pencak Silat Women’s Seni (Artistic) Tunggal Single final, with a score of 9,960 to 9,945.

Malacañang and The Philippine Sports Commission gave their well-wishes to the 18-year-old athlete. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement, ‘The Palace congratulates Mary Francine Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country… Congratulations. We are proud of you.’

Before securing the gold medal, Padios had also defeated Vietnam’s Vuong Thi Binh in the semifinal on her way to the winning match.

The Philippines also brought home one silver from Helen Aclopen in Kurash women’s -48kg division, while Kurash national team’s Charlie Quelino and George Baclagan bagged two bronze medals. Meanwhile, the men’s handball team has an ongoing match but has also clinched a silver medal.

Following a six-month delay, the 31st SEA Games is finally taking place for athletes to compete in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Banner: Luong Thai Linh, EPA-EFE

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Source: we the pvblic