Age doesn't matter

Sabandon clinches gold in World Police Games

A 65-year-old retired policemen from Davao City stole the limelight in Los Angeles, California after winning a gold medal in the men's 60-above tennis event of the World Police Games last August 16.

Bob Sabandon, a retired police inspector, defeated a Russian rival in the championship round after eking out victories over netters from San Francisco, Italy and San Diego, respectively, in the bienniel event that drew a total of 65 countries all over the world.

Sabandon, in Thursday's edition of the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held at the NCCC Mall B3 Family Room, said he joined in the same event two years ago in Virginia where he bowed out from the competition after losing in the semifinals, thus, he considered his recent feat a comeback.

"Wala man gud koy suporta atong unang adto nako. Wala koy mga pang gastos kay sariling gastos lang tanan. Bisag katong August, akoang sariling gastos lang to pero mas nakaprepare lang ko (I competed using my personal money. I had no other support. I was just able to prepare well)," Sabandon, who longed to have a courtesy call with the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, said.

According to him, he started playing the sport since he was 14 years old and continued pursuing tennis even within his 30 years and nine months of service with the Philippine National Police.

He, meanwhile, called out for support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and other sports bodies including private sectors as he eyes to compete in Japan for the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Open next year.