‘Inspiration’ to youth: Palace hails Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial for Olympic wins

Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka (red) and Philippines’ Carlo Paalam fight during their men’s fly (48-52kg) semi-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 5, 2021. (Photo by UESLEI MARCELINO / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday lauded Filipino boxers Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial for their victories at the Tokyo Olympics, calling them “inspiration” whom the youth could emulate.

Paalam is a win away from getting a gold medal after beating Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka in the men’s flyweight semifinal.

On the other hand, Marcial bagged the men’s middleweight bronze after bowing to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak.

“We join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating the victory of Carlo Paalam in today’s men’s flyweight boxing semifinals. We are likewise proud of Eumir Marcial for his bronze medal finish in men’s middleweight boxing,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Our Filipino boxers have brought pride and honor to the Philippines.  They truly serve as inspiration for our people, especially the youth, to emulate. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,” he added.

Paalam will attempt to bring home the country’s first gold medal in boxing on Saturday, fighting against Great Britain’s Galal Yafai.

The Philippines already has a gold courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and a silver courtesy of boxer Nesthy Petecio at this year’s Olympic games.