The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) congratulated Kaila Napolis for winning the first gold medal of the country in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.
Napolis went undefeated in the women's jujitsu newaza GI - 52 kilograms event after defeating hometown bet Jessa Khan during the finals on Thursday, May 4.
"I had the privilege of being in the medal ceremony for our first gold medal winner, Kaila Napolis. Congratulations once again," PSC chairperson Richard Bachmann said in a statement.
"It is such a thrill to start counting medals and see how the hard work of our athletes are translating into these victories. Job well done," Bachmann added.
Bachmann also lauded Karl Navarro and Harvey Navarro for snagging the first medals of the Philippines in the 32nd edition of the biennial multi-sports event.
The Filipino duo placed third in the men's jiujitsu duo event on Thursday.
PSC also applauded Angel Derla after she bagged the second gold medal of the Philippines ahead of the official opening of the SEA Games on Friday, May 5.
"Team Philippines has now 2 gold medals courtesy of Angel Derla from the Kun Bokator - Women’s Single Bamboo Shield Form event," PSC said in a Facebook post.
