THREE Olympic medalists, three professional boxers, a pole vaulter and billiards king make up a staked Major Awards roster the Philippine Sportswriters Association is giving out during its Annual Awards Night on March 14 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
Tokyo Games boxing silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial lead the cast in the gala event again dubbed as the San Miguel Corp.- PSA Annual Awards Night.
Joining the three are world champion boxers Nonito Donaire Jr., Johnriel Casimero and Jerwin Ancajas, as well as pool ace Carlo Baido, young tennis sensation Alex Eala and world-class pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena.
Donaire showed he’s not yet done atop ring after he won the World Boxing Council bantamweight title by dethroning Nordine Oubaali in a fourt-round stoppage in Carson, California, in May 2021.
He became the oldest champion in the 118-pound division at 40. Later in the year, he retained his crown behind a similar fourth round knockout of compatriot Reymart Gaballo.
Filipino golden girl Hidilyn Diaz banners the entire 2021 honorees as the recipient of the prestigious Athlete of the Year award to be handed out by the oldest media organization in the country during the gala night also backed by Milo, Philippine Basketball Association, 1Pacman, Rain or Shine, ICTSI, Chooks To Go, Smart, Philippine Racing Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation.
After two years, the Awards Night will finally be held face-to-face again, although attendance is still going to be on a limited 50 percent capacity in compliance with the government’s safe and healthy protocols, according to PSA president Rey Lachica, sports editor of Tempo.
The other awardees are golf ace Yuka Saso and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo (President’s Award), Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (Executive of the Year) and basketball legends Robert Jaworski Sr. and Ramon Fernandez (Lifetime Achievement Award).
Still to be announced are the National Sports Association of the Year, Manok Ng Bayan, Citations and a special Excellence in Leadership Award.