Pinoys clinch gold, silver in Asian Para Games

MANILA, Philippines — A swimmer from Negros delivered the country’s first gold medal while a runner from Sta. Rosa, Laguna copped a silver in the Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain.

Ariel Alegarbes struck gold in the 100-meter butterfly S14 multiclass for 17-18 years old boys by clocking a minute and 1.96 seconds Friday night while Ronn Russell Mitra snared a silver in the 400m T20 in 54.65.

The 19-year-old Mitra lost the mint to Natapon Kaewmanee of Thailand in 54.10.

It was a strong start for the team that had already surpassed its lone bronze medal in the 2017 edition in Dubai.

It also came as a soothing balm for the national para team that ran into misfortunes in the Tokyo Paralympics a few months back when almost half of the team tested positive for COVID-19 and failed to bring home a medal.

And there was hope Alegarbes, who grabbed a silver in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa in Davao City, could haul in more medals in the coming days as he is set to plunge back into action in the 100m backstroke, 200m individual medley and 100m breastroke.

“We’re seeing the future of our national Para team,” said national Para swimming coach Tony Ong.

Angel Mae Otom could also be another potential medal source as she will compete in the girls’ 50m butterfly, 50m and 100m freestyle and 50m back.

For Mitra, who studies at Aplaya Integrated National High School Extension in Sta. Rosa, he will fly back home knowing he had contributed to the cause.

“He (Mitra) only has one event because there are only limited events in his class,” said national para athletics mentor Joel Deriada.