CHENGDU, China — With just two sports left in the 2025 World Games, the Philippine delegation is set to head home with heads held high after an inspiring showing in the 11-day event for non-Olympic disciplines.

Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc, president of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines, declared the mission accomplished, praising the grit and effort of the 48-athlete delegation. “It may appear hard, but they gave it all,” Arapoc said, commending their determination to win for the country.

Backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee led by President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Team Philippines secured two silver and two bronze medals. Kaila Napolis claimed the first silver in women’s -52kg ju-jitsu, while Chezka Centeno earned silver in women’s 10-ball after narrowly missing gold. Carlos Baylon Jr. bagged bronze in men’s wushu sanda 56kg, and Aislinn Yap added bronze in sambo combat 80kg.

Looking ahead to future competitions

Beyond the medal haul, strong performances in wakeboarding, muay thai, kickboxing, dragon boat, and floorball showed promise ahead of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand later this year. Arapoc lauded the athletes for their strength, willpower, and fighting spirit, calling them deserving of a standing ovation.

In Saturday’s duathlon, Kim Mangrobang was the top Filipina finisher at 18th place with a time of 1:32:10. Teammates Merry Joy Trupa and Bea Quiambao also completed the race, finishing 19th and 26th, respectively.

As competition winds down, some members of the delegation enjoyed a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before flying home. Centeno, carrying her silver medal, left Chengdu with a smile—symbolic of a team that may not have struck gold but leaves with pride, valuable experience, and a renewed drive for success in the events ahead.