DAVAO City shuttler Arthur Samuel “Pingkoy” Salvado braces himself when he makes his debut in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2019.
The 18-year-old Psychology freshman at the Ateneo de Manila University posted on Facebook several photos of him with sports icons and other national athletes who were sent off Wednesday, November 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
“I feel happy to be part of the SEA Games lineup po,” he told Sun.Star Davao in a Facebook interview.
He, however, said he is not certain though when he will be playing.
Salvado, who joined the national training pool, said, “Kasali po ako sa lineup Ma’am but I’m not sure po kung sino sino po isasalang.”
He along with the national badminton team trained in Indonesia last month.
The Dabawenyo currently trains twice a day and half days on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
“In the past, I played badminton to achieve greater heights and to become a better version of myself while doing my studies. Becoming a part of the national team will just be a bonus for me if given the chance,” he said.
He added, “If I will be given the opportunity to play, I will do my best to contribute to the team by winning my game and giving my all.”
But he never thought he would reach this stage of competing with more experienced in a prestigious event.
“I am beyond blessed to know that I will be participating in this year’s SEA Games hosted by our own country,” Salvado said.
He won a badminton team silver medal in the 2019 Arafura Games, a team bronze medal in the 2019 Asean School Games, silver medal in UAAP Season 82 and boys singles gold and a mixed doubles silver in the 2017 Palarong Pambansa.