By Ahikam Pasion
Para table tennis player Leo Macalanda of Barangay Catablan in Urdaneta City brought home two bronze medals after competing in the recently-held 13th ASEAN Para Games held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Macalanda secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 6 event and added another bronze in the Men’s Doubles Class 14 category with partner Ramces Emanuel Tuala of Bulacan, marking a strong showing for the Filipino para-athlete on the regional stage.
His performance in Bangkok further added to his international experience. Prior to the ASEAN Para Games, Macalanda had also bagged double bronze medals in the 12th ASEAN Para Games held in Cambodia in 2023.
He had also won several para table tennis tournaments
Local sports officials said Macalanda’s results highlight his consistency in para table tennis and his continued participation in international tournaments representing the country.
Macalanda will receive P60,000 as prize for his double bronze run, as per Republic Act 10699, which mandates financial incentives for athletes.