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:
Joshua Buatsi vs Zack Parker Headlines Manchester Show on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 01 Nov 2025NBA Referees will wear headsets during NBA games
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 01 Nov 2025PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 01 Nov 2025South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 01 Nov 2025Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 31 Oct 2025‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 31 Oct 2025SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025History made twice over
By Joaquin Henson, Fri, 31 Oct 2025ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
Fri, 31 Oct 2025Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 31 Oct 2025Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
Fri, 31 Oct 2025