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