Team Philippines is out to make its mark at the 5th Asian Para Games, with 69 athletes competing across 18 sports in Nagoya, Japan.
Leading the Philippine delegation as flag bearers during Sunday’s opening ceremony were table tennis player Lhey Manginsay and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.
Manginsay opened her campaign with a straight-sets victory over Tajikistan’s Nadima Nurbekova in the women’s singles Class 9, 11-9, 12-10, 11-1, earning a quarterfinal berth.
Fellow paddler Smith Billy Cartera also advanced after sweeping Mongolia’s Myagmartsogt Purevdorj in the men’s singles Class 4-5.
He will face Thailand’s Norakan Chanphaka on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals.
In swimming, veteran campaigner Ernie Gawilan is aiming to match or surpass his previous Asian Para Games haul of one gold and one bronze medal.
He will be joined by Angel Otom, a three-time gold medalist at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games.
Meanwhile, Filipino cyclists Arthus Bucay, Patrick Lee and Nikko Peralta are set to compete in track and road events in Izu, Shizuoka, while also chasing qualifying points for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Bucay, a 2012 Paralympian, will compete in the one-kilometer individual time trial and road race, while Lee is entered in multiple track and road events.
Peralta will also vie for medals in the pursuit, individual time trial and road race.
The Philippine para powerlifting team is likewise targeting a podium finish, with coach Adeline Dumapong expressing confidence in the athletes’ preparations against a tough international field.
With seasoned campaigners and rising talents in the lineup, Team Philippines hopes to translate its preparations into medal-winning performances across the continental competition.
(Photo Courtesy: PSC/FB)
