Filipino boxing bet Nesthy Petecio during the 2022 Asian Games send off. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Nesthy Petecio has her eyes firmly on the gold in what she feels could be her “last shot” as she competes in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Petecio, who won gold in the recently concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games, can win another gold medal this year in the continental meet–which also serves as an Olympic qualifier for Paris.
“This is very, very important to me because I’m thinking that this may be my last shot. We’re not getting any younger, we’re getting older. We’re also feeling things now,” said Petecio in Filipino during the Asian Games send-off on Monday.
“It will depend on what would happen here so this is important to me.”
Petecio, a feared name in the women’s featherweight division, turned 31 years old last April.
The Davao native reigned supreme in the 60kg women’s category of the SEA Games a few months ago after defeating Ratna Sari Devi of Indonesia in the Final.
Petecio also brought glory to the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a silver medal in the featherweight division.
Once again, she is dedicating her performance to her family, the country and most importantly, herself.
“I’ll be dedicating these Asian Games for my family, as always, that’s number one, for the country and also for myself,” Petecio said. “Last Tokyo (Olympics), it was all for the family so this time, I’ll dedicate it to me as well.”
The Asian Games start on September 23.