Team Philippines to open Tokyo Paralympics campaign

The 2020 Tokyo Paralympics officially open on August 24, Tuesday, and six Filipino para athletes will compete on the most prestigious stage with hopes to duplicate the success of the Philippine Olympic team.

So far, the country has a total of two bronze medals at the Paralympics stage. Adeline Dumapong of para powerlifting captured one in the 2000 Games in Sydney while Josephine Medina of para table tennis followed suit in the 2016 Rio Games.

And the country's delegation in this year's edition of the Para Games is upbeat about its chances to deliver medals.

Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan (para athletics), who was also named the flag bearer in the opening ceremony, banners the delegation as he is set to compete in three events namely men's 400m, 100m, and 1500m.

Seasoned swimmer Ernie Gawilan, who will carry the flag in the closing ceremony, will see action in also three events. The 2016 Rio Paralympian is scheduled to compete in men's 200m individual medley (IM), 400m freestyle, and 100m backstroke.

Another swimmer in Gary Bejino is tipped to join four events including the men's 200m IM, 50m butterfly, 400m freestyle, and 100m backstroke.

Jeanette Aceveda will play in the women's discus throw event while taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, the first-ever Filipino to step onto the Paralympic stage, will take part in the men's K44-75kg division.

Rounding out the contingent is powerlifter Achelle Guion, who will contend in the women's -45kg.

The Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) expressed optimism in this batch of Filipino para athletes despite the recent setback that saw them record several positive COVID-19 cases within the team, including one athlete.

"Those who tested positive did not join (the first batch of) the delegation anymore. The fight definitely continues and all are in high spirits," said Francis Diaz, the country's chef de mission to the Paralympic Games.

—JMB, GMA News