Kiefer Ravena is retiring from SEA Games competition
Kiefer Ravena during Gilas Pilipinas’ game vs Indonesia where the Philippines lost the gold. SEA GAMES POOL
MANILA, Philippines—After winning six medals, Kiefer Ravena announced that he has played in his last Southeast Asian Games.
Ravena unceremoniously announced his retirement from SEA Games competition on Monday.
“That’s it for me. Hanging these bad boys up for my last SEA Games! Been my absolute pleasure playing for 🇵🇭,” Ravena wrote on an Instagram story.
The 28-year-old Ravena holds the record with most number of SEA Games gold medals by a Filipino basketball player with five.
Ravena had a golden opportunity to win his sixth straight but Gilas Pilipinas took a stunning loss to Indonesia on Sunday in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The upset also denied the Philippines of a 14th consecutive SEA Games gold while Indonesia claimed its first-ever basketball title in the biennial meet.
The basketball star remained grateful to have represented the Philippines despite the botched title bid.
“Thank you SEA GAMES for the competition, relationship and memories! 13 straight is tough to beat and i’m proud of my team! Sorry we [fell] short. #5and1 #OneForTheRoad,” Ravena tweeted on Sunday.
Ravena, who last played for Shiga Lakestars in the Japan B.League, first won the gold in the Jakarta SEA Games in 2011 as a member of Sinag Pilipinas.
He represented the Philippines in the every edition of the biennial meet since then.
Kiefer reunited with his brother Thirdy, who also plays in the Japan B.League for San-en NeoPhoenix, in Hanoi.
