The Philippine Women’s Soft Tennis Team secured the country’s first medal at the 20th Asian Games after claiming bronze on Sunday at the Higashiyama Park Tennis Center in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Filipinas reached the podium after a 0-2 semifinal defeat to defending champion Japan, ending their bid for a spot in the gold medal match.
Bien Zoleta and Princess Catindig opened the tie for the Philippines but struggled against Japan’s Rena Temma and Kiho Miyamae, who cruised to a 5-0 victory.
Christy Sanosa then tried to keep the Philippines in contention, battling Ayaka Iwakura after finding her rhythm in the second and third games. Iwakura, however, eventually closed out the match, 4-0, to send Japan through to the championship round.
Despite the semifinal setback, the bronze medal marked a historic achievement for Philippine soft tennis, giving the country its first podium finish in the sport at the Asian Games.
“Sobrang saya kasi ito nga a very historic win for us sa Philippine soft tennis. First time ito na maka-podium finish since 1994. Sobrang happy na nakamedal kami para sa bayan,” team captain Zoleta said.
“Ito ang pinagapangarap namin sa soft tennis. Ito ang Olympics namin, so ang pagkakamit ng medalyang ito ay napakalaking bagay para sa amin,” she added.
Zoleta became emotional while reflecting on the significance of the team’s accomplishment, particularly after becoming the first Philippine delegation to deliver a medal at the ongoing continental showcase.
“Hindi lang siya para sa amin, but para sa Pilipinas siya, lalo na kami pala yung unang nagbigay ng medal. So sana makabigay ng mas malaking moral para sa mga susunod pang national athlete na maglalaro today, tomorrow, and the coming days kasi alam niyo kung gaano namin pinaghirapan ito na manalo lalo na sa Asian Games,” she said.
The Philippine team was also acknowledged by the Japanese crowd following its spirited showing against the defending champions.
For Zoleta, the historic bronze could help generate greater interest and support for soft tennis in the Philippines.
“I know na dahil sa bronze medal na na-produce ng buong Philippine soft tennis, maraming mag-open na doors para sa amin. At hindi lang sa amin, but for the soft tennis community and plus lalong, maraming ang mga kaka-appreciate and mga kaka-buo ng program ng soft tennis sa Pilipinas,” she said.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio watched the semifinal and congratulated the team after its historic podium finish.
“Mabuhay po kayo, first-ever medal in the Asian Games. Pinanood ko talaga kayo. Alam ko kaya niyo pa manalo ng medal. Focus lang po tayo. Nakakatuwa po ang sport na ito,” Gregorio said.
“This is a sport na kaya nating ma-develop. Mabuti na lang andito tayo sa Asian Games, prepare and we win more medals… This is an opportunity to really promote the sport,” he added.
Gregorio also said his visit to the tennis center was partly aimed at studying the facility as a possible model for the development of similar venues in the Philippines.
“Binulungan ko sila, give us another medal, give us two more medals, usap-usap tayo and I will make all of you smile. Nag-cheer sila at nagpalakpakan sila. That’s a great motivation,” he said.
“Alam mo naman ating mga atleta natin ang una diyan sa mga yan ang pagsuot ng bandera ng Pilipinas sa kanilang dibdib, sa kanilang uniporme. It’s worth emulating,” Gregorio added.
The Philippine soft tennis delegation will have another opportunity to add to its medal haul on September 21, when Zoleta and Samuel Nuguit, as well as Sanosa and Sherwin Nuguit, compete in the mixed doubles event.
The Filipinos will then see action in the women’s and men’s singles competitions on September 22.
