Two Cadiz City athletes bagged gold and silver medals in badminton at the 65th Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte that ended Saturday, May 31.
For the first time in history, two athletes from the same region, city and training academy played against each other in the final battle for the gold and silver medals, a press release from Cadiz City said on Sunday.
Lovic Caceres Javier, 17, a Grade 12 student at the Dr. Vicente F. Gustilo Memorial National High School, won the gold medal in the final game.
He defeated his city mate, Cris Ivan Dosano, 16, of the North Negros College.
The two Cadiz shuttlers, both longtime players under the Jaguar Badminton Academy, delivered a championship match that not only highlighted their athleticism, but underscored the strength of grassroots sports development in Cadiz, the press release said.
“This was more than just winning gold. It’s about everything that came before it — the long hours, the early mornings, the sacrifices. Standing on that court, representing my region and sharing that final match with my teammate from Cadiz, it was a moment I’ll never forget,” Javier said.
His victory is dedicated to God, his family, coaches, and the people of Cadiz, Javier said.
Javier thanked Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. and the DepEd Cadiz Schools Division Office for their support. “Thank you for giving us the opportunity to compete and showcase our talent on the national stage”, he said.
Escalante said their feat in the national arena proves that Cadiz is becoming a “badminton haven” in Negros Occidental.
The mayor said Javier and Dosano will receive trophies and cash incentives from the city government in recognition of their achievements.
Javier has already been recruited by De La Salle University in Manila as its incoming sports scholar.
Ten badminton players from Cadiz City qualified to compete in the Palarong Pambansa this year.*