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:
Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 13 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
Fri, 13 Feb 2026IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
Fri, 13 Feb 20263 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
Fri, 13 Feb 2026Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
Thu, 12 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 11 Feb 2026Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 11 Feb 2026