BACOLOD City – With the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet (WVRAA) unlikely to take place this year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, Bacolodnon gymnast Kiana Marie Alagaban is still putting on the workload in a bid to be a part of the national team.
Alagaban, a standout from Bacolod Tay Tung High School, said that she was saddened with the postponement of the 2020 WVRAA Meet as it prevented her from defending her Palarong Pambansa gold medal.
“I still do not know if I will still play in Provincial Meet next year,” Alagaban said. “I will be moving up to the senior category this year, so my focus will now be getting a spot in the national team.”
Ma. Kristina Alagaban of the MK Gymnastics, where Kiana trains, said that they are aiming for the Philippine National Games (PNG) this year. However, the said tournament is also likely to be suspended like other sporting events due to the COVID-19.
Supposed to be we will play sa PNG but
it is likely cancelled,” Ma. Kristina said. “Kiana will just keep on training
to be ready if ever matuloy yun later
this year.”
“We are targeting to get into the national team since it will be a great
opportunity for Kiana to hone her skills further. It will be tough because
there are also a lot of talented gymnasts, but Kiana will do her best,” she
added.
The 16-year-old Kiana was a decorated gymnast winning gold medals as a secondary and elementary player in the Palarong Pambansa. She was also able to take part in competitions abroad./PN
