Iniong puts parenthood on hold for gold

Gina Iniong of the Philippines knocks down her opponent from Thailand Api Mingkwan (red) during the kickboxing final bout in the 30th Southeast Asian Games. INQUIRER PHOTO/EDWIN BACASMAS

Gina Iniong had to postpone family plans to make way for another commitment.

The recently wed 30-year-old fighter abandoned plans to spend time with seafarer husband, Richard Araos, who just got a break from work only for the 30th Southeast Asian Games to get in the way.

“He said he doesn’t mind, as long as I get the gold,” Iniong told reporters, minutes after winning the -55-kilogram light kick gold medal by turning back Apichaya Mingkhwan of Thailand at Cuneta Astrodome.

Iniong, who trained under famed mixed martial arts mentor Mark Sangiao, blanked her Thai foe, 3-0, for the Philippines’ second gold in the competition.

“My foe’s a taekwondo [specialist], so coach Mark just told me to get inside her range,” she said.

A member of the noted Team Lakay fight stable, Iniong drew scores of 6-2, 6-1, and 9-1 from the judges.

Iniong noted, with a chuckle, that Araos would have to wait a bit longer before they can spend quality time together as she is set to fight in a ONE Championship card on Jan. 31 next year. INQ