DAVAO Region Athletic Association (Davraa) shuttler Arthur Samuel "Pingkoy" Salvado Jr. captured his first ever Palarong Pambansa gold medal as the 2017 edition of the annual sportsfest came to a close in Antique Province Saturday, April 29.
Salvado, a 17 years old student of the Ateneo de Davao University, captured the secondary boys singles gold by eking out an upset victory over defending champion Ralf Lanz Zafra of the National Capital Region (NCR), 21-19, 21-16.
"It was a dream come true for Pingkoy kay sa Palaro na lang ang wala siya naka gold," Salvado's mother Marichu said in a text message to VoxPop Davao.
Salvado, also a Batang Pinoy 2016 National Championships gold medalist, combined forces with Jennifer Helyn Saladaga but they lost the secondary mixed doubles finals match against Dean Harvey Tungul and Tricia Merced Opon of Central Visayas Region.
In a separate text message, Salvado said he is already fulfilled as he finally caught the missing piece to his puzzle, the Palarong Pambansa gold medal.
"I feel happy because I was able to win the prestigious Palarong Pambansa. It felt fulfilling because my category is a category which requires physical and mental strength," Salvado said, adding that the silver finish was also rewarding since the doubles event is not his specialty.
In 2016, Salvado was eliminated during the quarterfinals against Clark Gomez from Negros Island Region (NIR), thus, he considered it a motivation to do better.
"I was motivated to win the games because I represent Region 11 and I want to bring honor and pride to my region. I wanted to prove to the people who put me down that with hard work and spirit, you can overcome challenges which may seem impossible," Salvado said.
He will next compete in the upcoming 15th Equiparco Fiesta Cup in Butuan City and the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) National Juniors Championships in Makati City.
He then thanked his parents, family, friends and everyone who supported him during his journey.
"I am also happy that their prayers were not wasted," the multi-titled athlete said.