Petecio Wants the One Medal Missing From Her Career: Asian Games Next
Nesthy Petecio has already stacked up a career most athletes would dream about, but there is still one thing she badly wants: an Asian Games medal. The Filipina boxing star said this is the missing piece in her résumé and she is determined to finally get it in Nagoya later this y
Nesthy Petecio has already stacked up a career most athletes would dream about, but there is still one thing she badly wants: an Asian Games medal. The Filipina boxing star said this is the missing piece in her résumé and she is determined to finally get it in Nagoya later this year.
Petecio, who won Olympic silver in Tokyo and bronze in Paris, said any medal color would be welcome basta may maiuwi for the Philippines. She admitted the Asian Games has become a personal target because she has tried before and still has not reached the podium there.
The 33-year-old boxer said she is preparing to return to full training after going through eye surgery following her bronze-medal campaign in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. She added that her recovery has been going well, though she still needs one more medical clearance before fully ramping up.
Her latest comments came after she received the Flame Award at the 2026 All-Women Sports Awards at the Philippine International Convention Center. Petecio said she feels grateful not just for her own recognition, but also because more women athletes are finally being seen and appreciated for the sacrifices they make.
The next target is clear now: the Asian Games in Nagoya from September 19 to October 4. Petecio also plans to move back down to her natural 57-kg featherweight division, hoping that the switch helps her finally land the medal that has kept escaping her.
Source: The Manila Times – https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/23/sports/petecio-hungry-to-take-first-ever-asian-games-medal/2305002
