PH?s twin triumphs of a lifetime
By Recah Trinidad
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Apr 2018
JOSE Cojuangco Jr. couldn?t believe he had been toppled; he refused to shake the hand of the handsome younger foe who defeated him. It?s the sort of triumph that could come only once in a lifetime. There?s no other story in Philippine sports that could be more significant and compelling than the ouster last month of Cojuangco, 83, as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Nearly a month after the rise of management master Ricky Vargas as head of the powerful POC, a tremendous triumph was scored by the Philippine Azkals when it outclassed Tajikistan in a dream victory that qualified them for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time.
It was a comeback for ages, wrote Cedelph Tupas of the Inquirer, reporting from the over-filled Rizal Memorial Stadium. There was delirium. ?Philippine football regains foothold on glory. Rising from a goal down?and years of frustrating finishes?the Azkals got over the hump. Captain Phil Younghusband converted the 90th minute goal penalty to make it 2-1. What followed were scenes out of a movie, grown men hugging each other, tears of joy streaming down their faces.?
The gallery erupted in approval. Make that read: the whole nation applauded in full jubilation.
**
No need to review the record books. These are triumphs that come long in-between, or maybe only once in a lifetime. These monumental victories were achieved in a span of only three months, within the first quarter of 20018.
It would be unfair to say luck was behind these golden achievements. They were fruits of arduous perseverance and strife.
Dan Palami, chief backer and main financier of the Azkals, refused to play it coy. He said they had been through a lot.
**
He would also confirm pre-game rumors about a depleted bank book.
?You look at your bank account, you just think if it?s worth it,? he told Cedelph Tupas. ?It?s the story of every Filipino. We are able to achieve a lot of things because of our perseverance.?
He said he hopes this could be the catalyst for more support in Philippine football, adding they got ?tremendous backing from the private industry in 2010.?
**
Meanwhile, Vargas didn?t tarry and invited Cojuangco to be part of the new POC Board. This despite the fact that Cojuangco had tried to kick him out, thus making it tough and nearly impossible for him to run for the POC presidency.
Vargas was readily hit and criticized for his move. There were elder sports development experts who called his unexpected compassionate gesture the big joke of our time.
Vargas, with a quiet and remarkable management style, refused to be swayed.
He swore Cojuangco, despite a failed lengthy reign as POC chief, could be of great help in re-charting the new path of poor Philippine sports.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Recah Trinidad.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Tapales bags WBC International Silver super bantamweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Boston, NY and Minnesota One Win Away; Push Orlando, Detroit and LAL on Brink
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Sasaki Guns for Japan's First World Welterweight Title, Honor as Asia's Best Asian Boxing Nation
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 28 Apr 2025Raga beats Bañares in SBA Philippine Open, pockets ₱400,000 cash prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 28 Apr 2025OK-C You Next Season, Memphis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Edges Benn in Thrilling Grudge Match for the Ages
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Due to Illness, H2O Syve Withdraws from Tonight’s Bout
Sun, 27 Apr 2025Filipino FM Ivan Travis Cu runner-up in Budapest First Saturday Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 27 Apr 2025Home Teams Rule the Day
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Marlon Tapales Makes Weight for WBC International Title Fight in Gensan
Sat, 26 Apr 2025WELTERWEIGHT ERIC TUDOR TAKES UNANIMOUS DECISION OVER KEVIN JOHSON IN MAIN EVENT OF ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ FROM THUNDER STUDIOS AND LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank vs Benn: Like Father Like Son
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 26 Apr 2025Eubank Jr. Misses Weight Ahead of Highly Anticipated Benn Clash
Sat, 26 Apr 2025Rafael Espinoza: “I’m Going To Steal The Show On May 4!”
Sat, 26 Apr 2025CO-PROMOTER OF TONIGHT'S ‘LA FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS’ SAYS FIRST EVENT IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
Sat, 26 Apr 2025