PH’s lone rep in World Nomad Games fights for growth of ‘sungka’

Rhon Palmera, the Philippines’ lone representative in the 2018 World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, is not only trying to win for the country, he’s also helping boost the growth of one of the Filipinos’ favorite traditional games.

Palmera is competing in the Toguz Korgool event—a variation of the mancala game, which is better known as “sungka” here in the Philippines— in the Nomad Games, an international competition for ethnic sports in Central Asia.

In a post on Facebook, Palmera uploaded photos of competitors from other nations enjoying a game of Philippine sungka in a demonstration.

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“Through my efforts, it is officially part of the 3rd World Nomad Games 2018 Intellectual / Mind Sports and Games (Mancala Games) and let’s pray that it gains more attention in future international events,” he said in Filipino.

Despite being alone, Palmera proudly waved the Philippine flag during the opening ceremonies last September 2. He also defeated Turkey to advance to the second round of his event.

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“Thank you all for the support. It made me tougher even if I’m alone here for our country. I am Filipino and I’m proud of our race. Laban Pilipinas at Mabuhay!”

In the world of technology, Palmera hopes that Filipinos won’t lose interest over sungka, something which he believes Filipinos can excel in.

“My countrymen, let us not let [sungka] go ignored. It is a source of pride for our country. Let us harness the Filipinos’ potential in this intellectual sport, which seems to be forgotten by the new generation,” he also said in a Facebook post.

The World Nomad Games, established in 2012, is held every two years. In this year’s edition, 77 countries sent representatives.