KHEVINE Khieth Cruz, a Grade 7 student at the National Academy of Sports (NAS), etched his name in Philippine sports history by winning the gold medal in the U13 Boys Singles Category at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from October 12 to 18, 2024. His victory marks the first gold medal for the Philippines in this category, an achievement that has brought pride not just to the NAS but to the entire nation.
In the same competition, fellow NAS athletes Liam Zion Cabalu and Prince Achilles Troy Maminta clinched silver and bronze, respectively, completing an impressive podium sweep for the country. The young athletes’ success reflects the growing strength of Philippine table tennis and the effectiveness of programs like the NAS in nurturing world-class talent.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, and a staunch supporter of Filipino athletes, expressed his admiration for Cruz and his peers.
“Napakalaking karangalan ang maihatid ang ating watawat sa international stage. Si Khevine ay patunay na kaya nating makipagsabayan sa mundo. Tuloy-tuloy po ang ating suporta sa mga kabataang atleta,” Go said.
The NAS, located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, was created through Republic Act No. 11470, which Senator Go authored and co-sponsored. The institution integrates secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, providing a platform for young athletes to develop both academically and athletically. Cruz’s triumph highlights the importance of such initiatives in cultivating the next generation of Filipino sports champions.
Beyond NAS, Senator Go is advocating for the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games (PNG). The program aims to strengthen grassroots sports development and create pathways for local athletes to compete on national and international levels.
“Kailangan nating bigyan ng tamang suporta ang ating mga atleta mula grassroots hanggang sa international competitions. Dapat may malinaw na landas para sa kanilang pag-unlad,” he said.
Go has consistently championed initiatives to boost Philippine sports development. He played a vital role in securing funding for the repair and improvement of facilities such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. He believes that proper training environments, access to quality equipment, nutrition, and mental health support are critical to athletes’ success.
In addition, Senator Go has pushed for increased budgets for sports programs to enhance the preparation and training of Filipino athletes.
“Ang tagumpay ni Khevine at ng iba pa nating mga atleta ay inspirasyon para ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa mas maayos na sports program sa bansa,” he added.
The senator’s health and sports advocacy are part of his broader vision of nurturing Filipino talent. Cruz’s victory is not just a personal milestone but a testament to what Filipino athletes can achieve with the right support. For Go, this is only the beginning of more victories for Filipino athletes on the world stage.
“Ang galing ni Khevine ay hindi lang para sa sarili niya, kundi para sa bayan. Magkaisa po tayo sa pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta,” Go said.
Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
As Chairperson of the Senate Youth Committee, Go continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement among citizens, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots.
“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier.
