The 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia had its fair share of emotional moments, but perhaps one of the most heart-wrenching was the silver medal finish of Junna Tsukii in the karate individual female -50kg kumite.
Fil-Japanese athlete Tsukii was convinced that she was the clear winner over Malaysian Chandran Shamalarani, who was eventually declared the champion by a 2-3 decision.
Tsukii couldn’t hide her disappointment, perplexed at the judges’ decision.
“I cannot understand the judges and the referee, why they gave the decision to her. I was really surprised by the decision,” said Tsukii, the 31-year-old 2022 Birmingham World Games gold medalist, after losing to Shamalarani who she dominated in another tournament a few months back.
“I’m sorry, this is not the color of the medal that we wanted but that’s it.”
Tsukii, the Philippine Olympic Committee, nor her mother federation could not throw a protest as the sport does not allow it.
It was evident that Tsukii had poured her heart and soul into this competition. Winning a medal at the SEA Games is a huge achievement for any athlete, but for Tsukii, it meant more than just a victory. She was representing her Filipino and Japanese heritage and the sacrifices of those who supported her journey.
Despite her frustration, Tsukii showed grace and humility by honoring and congratulating her fellow athletes saying, “All athletes have sacrificed and walked for this moment, and I want to honor and congratulate everyone. And my teammate Sakura won a gold medal today!
“I will be cheering for my team tomorrow, hoping that many other gold medals will be won.”
