Eala, Bagunas are Team PH flag-beaters in Thailand SEAG

Sports

TWO of the country’s brightest athletes have been tapped as Team Philippines’ flag-bearers in the parade of athletes for the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Dec. 9 in Thailand.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has announced that Alex Eala and Bryan Bagunas are the country's flag-bearers in a fitting recognition to the two athletes’ exploits in their respective sports.

“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” said POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Tolentino said the flag-bearer or flag-bearers are chosen not just for the impact and inspirational appeal not only to national athletes but also to the Filipino youth.

“It’s about the inspirational appeal, the motivation and hard-work that reaps accomplishment that make an athlete or athletes the best choice for the chore,” Tolentino added.

Eala’s selection as one of the flag-bearers was no brainer as she pulled off a remarkable run this year that saw her rise from No. 148 to No. 50 in the Women’s Tenniss Association (WTA) rankings.

The stellar run made Eala not just the first Filipina to make it to the Top 50 in the world but also the first Filipina athlete to win a WTA-sanctioned tournament after ruling the Guadalajara Open in Mexico.

Eala also became the first Filipina to hurdle the first round of the US Open.

Bagunas, on the other hand, was Alas Pilipinas Men’s Team top gun in the FIVB World Championship last September, where he led the Nationals to a historic win over many-time African champion Egypt.

At least 300 athletes will join Team Philippines in the opening parade around the Rajamangala National Stadium.

Team Philippines is fielding in 1,700 athletes in this year's edition of the biennial meet that will feature 574 events in 50 sports.(CCM)