By Atty. Howie Calleja
Against a partisan local crowd at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium that supported the Jordanians, audibly jeering the Philippines’ scoring attempts. But the Gilas showed they were unmoved, as the Philippines clinched their first Asian Games men’s basketball gold medal since 1962 (the last came in Jakarta, Indonesia, courtesy of a squad led by the late Fiba Hall of Famer Carlos Loyzaga).
The Philippines finally reversed their earlier group-stage defeat against Jordan to win 19th Asian Games Hangzhou gold by a 70–60 scoreline. The triumph also ends the Gilas’ run of missing out on a medal dating back to 1998. It was that preliminary round loss that compelled Gilas Pilipinas to play an extra game in the tournament. But looking back, the long route afforded Cone even made this victory something to remember.
Winning a Gold Medal is not only an award for an athletes’ achievement, but a treasure wrapped in emotions. The medal worn around the athlete’s neck is a symbol of hard work, commitment, sacrifices and endurance. It is awarded to the athlete and the country that athlete represents. It is a tradition that began at the St. Louis 1904 Olympic Games.
So, beyond our mere felicitation, this Gold Medal is a motivation to whatever socio-economic-political experiences athletes have fought in order to overcome these odds in order to bring pride and honor to our motherland vis-à-vis the spirit of sportsmanship. “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us” (Wilma Rudolph, American sprinter and three-time gold medalist).
Until very recently (before Rhodium and Palladium), gold was considered to be the most treasured of metals. This explains why the allegorical use of “gold” has become so deeply embedded in human language. From an economic standpoint, gold is no longer the most valuable metal yet it retains its power as a metaphor for what is most valued in human experience. Indeed, gold symbolizes what is unadulterated, most exceptional, most principled, most lasting, most sought after, most ideal and most valued in terms of human aspirations, human behavior and human relationships. — and our country’s latest gold medal in the basketball stands true to this embodiment.
In conclusion allow to likewise congratulate our other athletes — Together with Gilas; gold medals were courtesy of pole vaulter EJ Obiena, ju-jitsu fighters Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez. Silver medals from boxer Eumir Marcial and wushu’s Arnel Mandal. Wushu artists Jones Inso, Clemente Tabugara Jr. and Gideon Padua, Tennister Alex Eala and the duo of Eala and Francis Alcantara also recorded third place finishes. The Philippine sepak takraw team for quadrant and wegu; BMX’s Patrick Coo; ju-jitsu’s Jenna Napolis; karate’s Sakura Alforte; taekwondo’s Patrick Perez; and weightlifting’s Elreen Ando also secured bronze medals. Our 4 gold, 2 silver and 12 bronze medals, vis-a-vis the incredible dedication of each athlete in their respective sports, have made our nation proud.
