Mixed emotions for 22-year-old OFW Kristian Narca as he gets SEAG silver in kun khmer

PHNOM PENH — Filipino Kristian Narca shared there was a mix of emotions as he returned to the national team to compete in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

The 22-year-old overseas FIlipino worker, who originally competed in muay thai, had not donned the national colors since 2017. But then, a call from sports officials back in March reignited his determination to represent the country anew in the regional meet.

He didn't disappoint in his return, copping the silver medal in the kun khmer men's 57kg after bowing to Cambodian bet Laingkousin Khun, 3-2, in their finals duel at the Elephant Hall in Morodok Techo Stadium.

"Medyo excited pero andon pa rin 'yung kaba. Hindi po [naka-affect 'yung maingay na crowd] kasi naka-focus ako sa kalaban ko," Narca, who hails form Leyte, shared.

("A little bit excited, but there are still some nerves. I wasn't affected because I was focused on my opponent.")

Narca is a trainer in Qatar, a job he has been at since leaving the national team. He also spent part of his preparations training in Qatar as he geared up to represent the country in the SEA Games.

"Bale kinuha kami dito para maglaro, para mag-represent ng Pilipinas. Dati nag-national team ako, 2017, tapos natanggal tapos pumunta po kami ng Qatar tapos kinontact lang kami this year na maglaro para sa SEA Games."

("So they called on us to compete, to represent the country. I was part of the national team before, 2017, then I got removed then we went to Qatar, and we were contacted this year to compete in the SEA Games.")

The win served as Narca's first-ever SEA Games medal finish.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News