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:
Lone Survivor: Usyk Topples Fury to Win Undisputed Heavyweight Crown
Sun, 19 May 2024Undisputed: Oleksandr Usyk Drops, Edges Fury to Claim Heavyweight Glory
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 19 May 2024Elorde named to WBC body
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 19 May 2024Indiana Bests New York, Forces Game 7 in East Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sat, 18 May 2024Surigao Fianchetto Checkmates in Semi Finals at PCAP
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 May 2024Fury vs. Usyk: The Big One Has Finally Arrived
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 18 May 2024FM Arca remains on top in Vietnam Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 18 May 2024Weigh-In Results: Emanuel Navarrete vs. Denys Berinchyk & Giovani Santillan vs. Brian Norman Jr.
Sat, 18 May 2024WEIGHTS FROM RIYADH: TYSON FURY - 262 LBS, OLEKSANDR USYK - 233.5 LBS
Sat, 18 May 2024THE UNDEFEATED KNOCKOUT MACHINE WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA TO FACE TOP CONTENDER GIOVANNI CABRERA ON SATURDAY, JULY 6
Sat, 18 May 2024Asia Supremacy: Team Philippines Eyes Strong Showing Vs Team Chinese Taipei
Sat, 18 May 2024THREE TITLE FIGHTS AND THREE UNDEFEATED BOXERS TRAINED BY ROY JONES JR. HEADLINE JUNE 28 BOXING CARD AT LEGENDS CASINO LIVE WORLDWIDE ON BLK PRIME
Sat, 18 May 2024T-Wolves Mangle Denver 115-70, Force Game Seven in West Semis
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 17 May 2024Press Conference Notes: Emanuel Navarrete Motivated to Claim Four-Division World Title Glory in San Diego
Fri, 17 May 2024DON KING PROMOTIONS: “FISTS OF FURY” PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 17 May 2024