Barge Cabañero dedicates Asian Youth Para Games bronze bronze medal to late mother
At A Glance
- Cabañero lost his semifinal match to Nepal's Swikrit Neupane, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, in the men's U23 singles Class 6-7 just moments after learning the news that his mother passed away from a freak accident.
Barge Cabañero
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- It was a bittersweet feeling for para table tennis player Vroxzield Barge Cabañero, who captured one of the country’s bronze medals in the Asian Youth Para Games at the Dubai Club for People of Determination here.
Cabañero lost his semifinal match to Nepal’s Swikrit Neupane, 9-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-9, in the men’s U23 singles Class 6-7 just moments after learning the news that his mother passed away from a freak accident.
“I’m happy that I’m still able to win a bronze medal for the country, but at the same time, sad because I promised my mom that I can win the gold,” said Cabañero, who lives in Cagayan de Oro but is a native of Misamis Oriental.
Cabañero, a standout in the Philippine National Para Games, said he still dedicated his win to his mother despite falling short of his promise.
“Mom, sorry I could only win the bronze. I did my best, and this is all for you. Thank you for always supporting me. You are my motivation in this competition,” he said.
Cabañero is still competing in the men’s doubles with partner Ramcel Tuala, who also delivered a bronze in the men’s U23 singles class 7-8.
“Even if it is hard, I know my partner and I can do it. I believe a lot in our partnership,” said Cabañero.