Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak (red) and Philippines’ Eumir Marcial fight during their men’s middle (69-75kg) semi-final boxing match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kokugikan Arena in Tokyo on August 5, 2021. (Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday (Aug. 5) paid tribute to Airman First Class Eumir Marcial for winning a bronze medal for the Philippines at the Tokyo Olympics.
Marcial “fought hard and showed the toughness of a true Filipino soldier,” said Capt. Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs office chief, in a statement.
Marcial snatched the boxing bronze medal in the men’s middleweight category.
Like weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who bagged the country’s first gold Olympic medal, Marcial is an enlisted personnel of the Philippine Air Force.
The AFP said it was proud and grateful to Marcial for the inspiration he gives fellow service members in their bids to excel in their chosen fields.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Marcial “displayed incredible mettle and skill in the ring.”
“His last match was a hard-fought competition between two world-class athletes,” Lorenzana said.
“We thank him for the pride and glory he has brought to the Filipino people despite the odds,” he said.