Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics 2024, is already eyeing a possible stint in the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. Catantan hopes to team up with her siblings and fellow fencers, Ysah and Sophie.
Catantan mentioned that competing in the SEA Games is a major goal for her next year. However, her participation may depend on her recovery, as she is set to undergo surgery after tearing her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in her left knee during the Paris Olympics three weeks ago.
"That's our dream, us sisters, to play together in the SEA Games. If things go as planned, I will be ready for the event coming back from the injury," said Catantan, who has gained growing support from the private sector. Eastern Communications, a leading telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, is backing her recovery and training.
Catantan made an impressive debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won her Table-of-64 bout against Mariana Pistoia of Brazil, 15-13. This victory earned her a spot in the main draw of 32 fencers, where she faced top-seed Arianna Errigo of Italy. Catantan sustained her ACL injury during the first three minutes of her match against Pistoia, which impacted her flexibility against the more experienced Errigo, who edged out Catantan with a close 15-12 win.
Despite her injury, Catantan’s determination and courage during the competition won the hearts of many Filipinos. It marked the first time in 32 years that a Filipino fencer competed in the Olympics, and her performance did not disappoint. Among those impressed were key sports officials, including Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino.
Samantha and Ysah Catantan were both part of the national team at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. While Sam didn’t compete in the team event due to injury, Ysah made her SEA Games debut. This year, Sophie joined her sisters on the national team, and the trio hopes to compete together in Thailand next year, depending on Samantha's recovery and rehabilitation. Sam, who recently completed her accounting studies at Penn State University, remains optimistic about her return.
"The next SEA Games is December 2025, that's 16 months from now. Considering the recovery period I had when I first tore my ACL – eight months – I'm confident I'll be ready for the SEA Games in Thailand," said the 22-year-old fencer.
As Catantan prepares for her comeback, her journey reflects the spirit that Eastern Communications seeks to cultivate in the next generation of Filipino athletes. Just as she aims to make a strong return at the 2025 SEA Games, Eastern continues to support young talents across various sports, including basketball, through initiatives like the PinoyLiga Cup and the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong Griffins Basketball Team.
The Lourdes School Griffins, the reigning 18U PAYA Basketball League 2024 Champions, are now representing the Philippines in the ongoing Tsui Lian Cup International Basketball Tournament 2024 in Taiwan. Eastern's initiatives are part of its commitment to grassroots development, providing platforms for young athletes to shine both locally and internationally.
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