10-year-old girl upstages older foes for archery gold
Naina Dominique Tagle is all smiles after her feat.
Armed with focus and resolve, archer Naina Dominique Tagle stole the show from her far more experienced rivals in the Visayas leg of the 2019 Philippine National Youth Games-Batang Pinoy in Iloilo City.
The 10-year-old from Dumaguete City swept the gold medals in the 13-15 years old age bracket after downing Dencil Shane Dinopol of Cebu City, 7-1, in the Olympic round finale held at West Visayas State University field.
“It was intimidating because I’m younger than them and I don’t know how good they are,” said Tagle in Filipino after pocketing seven gold medals in the weeklong Games for the best athletes 15 years old and younger.
Tagle’s performance, however, showcased the limitless potential of the Grade 5 student.
She also ruled the 20m, 30m, 40m, 50m, single fita and mixed team event with Matt Charid Bajado in the 72-arrow discipline to become the most bemedaled athlete in the Games organized by the PSC.
“After this, I will begin preparing for the national finals where the challenge is greater,” said Tagle.
Overall, Dumaguete lived up to its billing as the archery capital of the Philippines after hitting 13 gold medals in the sport.
Prisa Helen Lofranco also contributed to Dumaguete’s coffers with six golds capped by a 6-0 triumph over teammate Kristanna Carmela Quisumbing in the girls’ cadet finale.
