Nesthy Petecio to be PH’s flag bearer for Tokyo Olympics closing ceremonies

Silver medallist Philippines’ Nesthy Petecio poses on the podium with her medal after the women’s feather (54-57kg) boxing final bout during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 3, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / POOL / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Boxing silver medalist Nesthy Petecio will be leading the remaining Philippine contingent as the flag bearer for the closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday at National Stadium.

Chef de mission Mariano “Nonong” Araneta said in an interview with the Power and Play program that the Philippines will have more athletes go on the parade at the closing ceremonies.

Unlike in the opener where only six officials along with flag bearers Eumir Marcial and Kiyomi Watanabe were allowed, the Philippines was given 10 additional passes for the closing ceremonies.

Most of the participating athletes have left Tokyo in accordance with the Olympic playbook.

Petecio’s teammates Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam, who won the middleweight bronze and flyweight silver medals, respectively, will also be in the parade along with the remaining Filipino athletes still in Tokyo.

“The officials will also be given a chance to march because during the opening we were given limited slots,” said Araneta in Filipino.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said the boxing coaches will also attend the closing ceremonies along with skateboarding president Carl Sambrano.

Tokyo 2020 was the Philippines’ best Summer Games to date with the country winning four medals including an historic gold that weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz captured in the women’s 55-kilogram division.

This isn’t the first time that Petecio was given an honor of leading a Philippine contingent as she was the final torchbearer, along with boxing icon Manny Pacqquiao, in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.