Ifugao wrestler grapples for gold

MYANMAR – Wrestler Jason Balabal, hewn from the mountain fastness of the Cordilleras, descends on the battlefront of the 27th Southeast Asian Games, vowing to win the gold and carry it proudly as Phl standard bearer two days later in the opening rites of the biennial meet here.

After the silver medal finish of Daniel Parantac in wushu in the other pre-SEAG event, the wrestlers led by Balabal, gold medalist in the 2009 freestyle event and 2011 Greco-Roman, and Angana brothers Margarito and Joseph, former farm hands from Negros Oriental, do battle in three of the six events of the Greco-Roman and freestyle events in the three-day wrestling competitions.

 â€œIt will be good for Jason to win the gold because he will be carrying that when he bears the Philippine flag during the opening ceremonies,” said wrestling secretary general Karlo Sevilla, who added that Balabal will don the traditional Ifugao G-String or “Bahag” when he leads the Phl contingent during the parade of nations on Dec. 11.

Also competing Monday is Margarito Angana, who will be gunning for his third SEAG gold after successes in the 55kg Greco-Roman in 2009 and 2011.

Before the Games, Angana and Balabal underwent a four-month training in Iran where they toured the provinces of the Middle East nation and fought with Olympic and world champions in the World Military Games.

Joseph Angana, 21, makes his debut in the 55 kg freestyle event as the youngest of the Angana brothers, all national wrestlers, including Jimmy (33), Jerry (31) and Margarito Jr. (30).

Other members of the team are Alvin Lobrequito (55kg), Jimmy Monte (60kg Greco Roman) and Noel Norada (60 kg Greco Roman).

With their training abroad, Sevilla said he is hoping for a haul of four gold medals from his six entries.

“We hope to win four gold medals. We believe it’s possible and I believe Jason will win that all-important gold we will show to our countrymen during the opening ceremonies,” Sevilla said.