yKalinga boxer wins first world vovinam gold medal for Philippines

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Boxer Hergie Bacyadan from Taloctoc, Tanudan made history as the first world vovinam gold medalist from the Philippines after winning the women’s 66kg combat category over the weekend.

Bacyadan, 28, who is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, scored 10-0 win to beat Russia’s Mariana Abdeenko during the final match in the 7th World Vovinam Championships being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Vovinam, short for Võ Việt Nam, is a martial arts style originating from Vietnam, which involves using hands, knees, elbows and legs as the main weapons in hand-to-hand combat.

In May 2023, Bacyadan settled as silver medalist at the Cambodia SEA Games after she lost via raffle. Coaches of the country had been protesting then against the judges but nothing changed.

Challenged, Bacyadan gave her all during her recent bout thus, clinching the coveted gold medal.

“Sulit pagod, sakripisyo at gutom! Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga walang sawa nagtiwala at sumuporta sakin. Hindi ko makukuha tong kung wala kayo!” she expressed.

Bacyadan dedicated her feat to the Almighty, her family and her wife who has been her inspiration.

“Salamat coach Glenn, mula umpisa never nag-doubt sa kakayahan ko. Salamat ma’am Beh, Atty. Wharton at sa mga teammates na 100% full support saken!... Kayo lahat naging susi ko sa tagumpay na to! Simula pa lang to, marami pa tayo haharapin na laban. LABAN PILIPINAS,” she added.

Bacyadan is among the hopefuls to qualify for the Paris Olympics as a boxer.

“She’s a very strong contender for a podium finish. With her power and skills, she could even win a boxing gold,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.

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