Paalam looks to sustain form heading into semis
MADE a solid showing in the quarterfinals of the men’s light flyweight competition at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia on Wednesday, Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam looks to sustain his fine form as he tries to add to the medal haul of the Philippines in the semifinals today at the Jakarta Expo Boxing Hall.
Showing much courage and steady form, Mr. Paalam, 20, toppled an older and more seasoned foe in Termirtas Zhussupov of Kazakhstan, 4-1, in their quarterfinal clash.
The convincing win thrust the Bukidnon native to a semifinal match with Amit of India today while also assuring himself of a bronze medal in the quadrennial continental sporting event.
“My opponent was very good and an experienced fighter but I showed that even if I’m young I could keep in step with him,” said Mr. Paalam in the vernacular following his quarterfinal victory over Mr. Zhussupov, who was 10 years his senior.
Mr. Paalam is also out to improve on his bronze medal performance in each of the 2016 Asian and World Youth Championships.
Joining Mr. Paalam in the big day for Philippine boxing in Indonesia today are teammates Eumir Felix Marcia and Rogen Ladon, who will see action in the semifinals of the middleweight and flyweight divisions, respectively.
HAPPY FOR MARGIELYN Meanwhile, having seen his mentee Margielyn Didal blossom on her way to the Asian Games gold in skateboarding, coach Daniel Bautista said he is very happy for her.
“Winning the Asian Games gold was way beyond my wildest dreams but I knew when I first saw Margielyn she was one of a kind, that she was going to be amazing in skateboarding,” said Mr. Bautista on the heels of Ms. Didal’s gold conquest.
“This is just amazing. A couple of years back skateboarding was not in the Asian Games and now we are here. It’s official. The government is here, supporting her. We’re very happy,” he added.
Ms. Didal, a native of Cebu, added a fourth gold medal for the Philippines on Wednesday when she topped the women’s skateboarding street event head and shoulders above her pursuers.
As of 12 noon on Thursday, the Philippines stood at 17th place in the medal standings with four gold and 13 bronze medals.