Zamboanga City is ushering in 2026 with a wave of pride as its homegrown athletes continue to bring honor to the city on both the national and international stage. From the boxing ring in Thailand to the swimming pools of Dipolog City, Zamboangueño sports talents have proven that local grit and determination can compete with the best in the region.
Marcial Delivers Gold for the Philippines
Leading the charge is Zamboanga City’s own boxing icon Eumir Felix Marcial, who clinched the gold medal in the men’s light heavyweight division at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Thailand. Marcial defeated Indonesia’s Maikhael Roberdd Muskita via split decision on December 19, securing what would be the only gold medal for Philippine boxing in the entire 2025 SEA Games campaign.
The victory resonated deeply across the archipelago as the country welcomed the New Year with a rare and hard-earned triumph. For Zamboanga City, Marcial’s achievement is more than just a medal — it is a testament to the city’s rich boxing tradition and its ability to produce world-class athletes.
Rowing Duo Makes Waves
Equally inspiring was the performance of Kristine Paraon and Joanie Delgado, who dominated the Women’s Rowing Double Sculls event to claim their own gold medal on December 16. Their victory highlighted the growing reach of sports development in Zamboanga City, extending beyond traditional disciplines like boxing and opening doors for young athletes in emerging sports.
Swimming Team Hauls 167 Medals
The city’s dominance was not limited to the SEA Games. Zamboanga City also emerged as a powerhouse in the Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) Long Course Swimming Competition held in Dipolog City on December 6 and 7. The city’s swimmers hauled an impressive 167 medals, with 38 athletes earning recognition for their performances.
The ZAM Aquatic primary team alone secured 45 gold, 24 silver, and 16 bronze medals — a remarkable feat that underscores the importance of early training, quality coaching, and structured programs in shaping future champions.
City Government Backs Its Athletes
These achievements were formally recognized during the city’s flag-raising ceremony at Zamboanga City Hall on December 22, where local officials honored the SEA Games medalists. City Sports Division Chief Cecil Atilano said the athletes’ success reflects the impact of consistent local government support, noting that Mayor Khymer Olaso personally encouraged the city’s delegation during the SEA Games in Thailand.
Atilano emphasized that the city government continues to prioritize programs that nurture young talent, protect athletes’ welfare, and build a sustainable sports ecosystem — from grassroots training to elite competition.
A Bright Future for Zamboanga Sports
As Zamboanga City steps into 2026, these victories serve as living proof of what young athletes can achieve when talent is matched with opportunity and support. More than celebrating past victories, the city looks ahead — committed to investing in its youth, advancing sports development, and inspiring the next generation to aim for excellence both in sports and in life.
For the people of Zamboanga City, these athletes are more than champions. They are proof that the City of Flowers can bloom on any stage, anywhere in the world.
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