PH paddler Medina, other Asean para-athletes to be feted

Josephine Medina wins the bronze medal in the women’s individual table tennis – Class 8 at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Photo by ITTF website

KUALA LUMPUR—Though differently abled, Josephine Medina showed the world that she has what it takes to be among the greats.

And after her bronze medal finish in the women’s table tennis singles – class 8 in the 2016 Rio Paralympics, the 48-year-old continues to reap the rewards of her hardwork.

Medina is one of the 31 para-athletes, who will be commended in the Asean Heroes Gifting Ceremony here in Sepang in Selangor, Malaysia on Tuesday.

Southeast Asian athletes made their mark in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil last month, proudly representing the region in the quadrennial athletic meet for differently-abled athletes.

Twelve golds, seven silvers, 12 bronze medals were brought home by these valiant para-athletes, led by the Thais, who netted six golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals.

Medina was only the second Filipino to win a medal in the Paralympics, following the footsteps of powerlifter Adeline Dumapong, who also won bronze in the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes will award free flights to Asean para-athletes in the said event at the Asian Aviation Centre of Excellence.

Last month, Olympian weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz was also given the same incentive together with fellow podium finishers as a reward for their excellence in the 2016 Rio Olympics.