House cites Pinoy champions in boxing, gymnastics

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is set to honor two Filipino athletes who recently bagged gold medals in gymnastics and boxing world championships.

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco has filed resolutions commending gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo and boxer Nesthy Petecio for their respective achievements.

In Resolution No. 437, Velasco sought congressional recognition for Yulo for making history and winning the country’s first-ever world championship in gymnastics when he bagged the gold medal in the 49th FIG (Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique) Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in Stuttgart, Germany last Oct. 12.

“Yulo’s performance is a true showcase of each and every Filipino athlete’s puso (heart) and will serve as an inspiration for present and future generations of Filipino athletes to aspire for greater success in the world stage,” read the resolution.

“Yulo’s victory in the world championship is the victory of the Filipino nation and shall serve as a good platform for his preparations in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games,” it stated.

Last Oct. 7, Yulo also booked the country’s second Olympic slot in the 2020 Tokyo Games after pole vaulter EJ Obiena sealed his own Olympic ticket last September.

Resolution No. 438, on the other hand, commended Petecio for winning the gold medal in the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships held in Ulan-Ude, Russia.

“Nesthy Petecio’s performance in the world championship lights an even greater fire in the hearts of all Filipino women athletes who are preparing for and will compete in the Southeast Asian Games that will take place here in Manila next month,” he added.